Addresses, 



Mefflorlals 

And Sketches 



PUBLISHED 
BY 




Maumee Valley Pioneer 
Association. 

1897. 



VROOMAH, AN0ER8ON & BaTEMAN, PriNTERS, ToLEOO. 



ADDRESSES, MEMORIALS 
AND SKETCHES 



PUBLISHED BY 



The Maumee Valley 




Pioneer Association, 



TO BE DELIVERED AT THE 



P^EILJI^IOIM 



-S7 



At the Old Court House, Maumee 

September 10th, 1897. 



Toledo, Ohio: 

Vrooman, Anderson & Bateman, Printers, 

1897. 



THE CUTS OF SCENES AT FT. MEIGS WERE FURNISHED THE ASSOCIATION 
BY THE TOLEDO SUNDAY JOURNAL. 



Gift 
Autikior 



NUIMTLJTrE^S. 



The regular Annual Reunion of Maumee Valley 
Pioneer Association was held at P'ort Meigs, August 12th, 
1896, as was appointed by the Executive Committee. 

In the absence of the President, Mr. Paris H. Pray, 
of White House, the Rev. G. A. Adams called the meet- 
ing to order, and introduced the Rev. Dr. N. B. C. Love, 
of Swanton, Ohio, who invoked the divine blessing. 

The Honorable Justin H. Tyler, of Napoleon, then 
read memorials of deceased members of the Association, 
including that of Mrs. Amelia C. Waite, prepared by 
Honorable Denison B. Smith, also memorials of Mr. 
Henry Philipps, of Toledo, the Hon. Emery Davis Potter, 
Mr. Joel Foot, Wood County ; Hon. Judge A. S. Lalla, 
of Defiance ; the Hon. Abner L. Backus, of Toledo ; Mr. 
Chester Blinn, of Perrysburg ; Mr. Benjamin Atkinson, of 
Providence, Lucas County, and Mr. and Mrs. Hoobler, of 
Wood County, also a communication from Mr. Lewis 
Eastwood, of Waterville. 

It was moved and carried that a committee of three 
be appointed to present the names of suitable candidates 
for the offices ior the ensuing year, and Y. Rakestraw, of 
White House, C. C. Young, of Liberty Center, and 
Frank Powell, of Perrysburg, were made the committee. 

The meeting then adjourned for a general basket 
dinner, everyone either providing himself or joining with 
friends. 



The Maiimee Valley 



After dinner the nominating committee reported the 
following persons to serve as officers of the Association 
for the ensuing year: 

FOR PRESIDENT, 

By virtue of regulation, Paris H. Pray, of White House, 

Lucas County. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS. 

Rev. G. A. Adams, of Wood county. 

Mr, Yarnel Rakestraw, of Lucas county, 

Hon Justin H. Tyler, of Henry county. 

Hon. D. W. H. Howard, of Fulton county. 

Mr. Phillipps, of Hancock county. 

FOR SECRETARY, 

J. L. Pray, White House, Ohio. 

FOR TREASURER, 

J. E. Hall, Waterville, Ohio. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 

William Corlett, Lucas county. 

D. R. Holden, Wood county. 

Dr. William Ramsey. Fulton county. 

Allen Scribner, Henry county. 

B. B. Woodcock, Defiance county. 

MEMORIAL COMMITTEE. 

Justin H. Tyler, Henry county. 

Frank Powell, Wood county. 
Edwin Phelps, Defiance county. 
Denison B. Smith, Lucas county. 

HISTORICAL AND PRINTING COMMITTED. 

Emery Potter, Jr., Lucas county. 

D. K, Hallenback, Wood county. 

Justin H. Tyler, Henry county. 

Following the election of officers, Hon. C. H. Nor- 



Pioneer Association. 



ris, of Marion, Ohio, delivered a comprehensive, eloquent 
and instructive historical address, which was received 
with much enthusiasm. 

The Rev, Dr. N. B. C. Love, of Swanton, O., then 
read his beautiful poem, "The Maumee." The Secretary, 
Mr. Smith, was called upon for an address, but excused 
himself, and no further addresses were made. 

After an hour of very pleasant social intercourse, the 
meeting" adjourned to the call of the Executive Committee. 

D. B. Smith, Secretary. 

RECEIPTS. 

The Receipts of the meeting was : 
For new memberships for 7 members at $\ each, 
Contributed by four members, - - - - 
Received from sale of pamphlets. 

Total, - - - - - $1.3 30 

EXPENSES. 

Printing Programs, Postals, Envelopes and Letter 

Heads, ------- ^10 85 

Typewriting, Copying and Postage, - - 2 45 



$7 


00 


4 


00 


2 


30 



Total, - - - - - ^13 30 
Amount reported on hand by the Treasurer, ^26 27 



The Maumee Valley 




Pioneer Association. 



DELIVERED BEFORE 

THE PIONEERS AT THEIR REUNION AT FT. MEIGS 

AUGUST 12th, 1896, BY 

JUDGE C. H. NORRIS, OF MARION, OHIO. 



In submitting that which I have prepared for this occasion, I 
recognize the fact that I face an audience composed of those who are 
competent to pass intelligent judgment, not only upon the diction 
but also upon the subject matter of that which may be offered. 

I at first hesitated to avail myself of the pleasure of this meet- 
ing, afforded me by the invitation of your secretary, but feeling 
that perfections would not be expected of me that might be required 
of those deservedly better known than myself; and tempted by the 
conviction that I would learn infinitely more than I could impart, I 
shut my eyes to well-grounded self-distrust and am here pleading 
my own apology. 

The pioneers who beat back from this matchless region savage 
nature and savage men are buried in the bosom of the earth, and 
with them perished the data for the most thrilling and interesting 
history that ever recited the progress of a people. 

The facts presented upon such an occasion as this are those 
which are well known, or that with little research might be known ; 
but in the hurry of this busy age are neglected and overlooked or 
forgotten ; hence the chief benefit and purpose of societies of this 
character, aside from renewing and cementing old friendships, is to 
educate the young, inform them of the kind of metal of which their 
ancestors were made, interest them in the circumstances and occur- 
rences that befel the lion-hearted men, who, braving hardship and 
danger, won an empire, and transformed a wilderness into a garden 
— that they to whose keeping the heritage must be transmitted may 
deem it worthy of defense and preservation. 

The War of 1812. 

I have been asked to speak particularly of events which con- 
nect this valley with our second conflict with Great Britain. 

The last war with England, known to us as the war of 1812, 
was proclaimed by President Madison on the 19th day of June of 
that year. Congress having the day before declared war to be 
existing between the two countries. It had been 29 years since the 
treaty of Versailles had given independence to the American 
colonies, and the condition of peace had for that time nominally 



The Maumee Valley 



existed between the United States and the British empire. Yet for 
13 years of that time the forces of England had retained possession 
of the Northwestern posts. Eleven years after that treaty had been 
ratified the British general, Sincoe, built and garrisoned Ft. Miami, 
yonder across the river, far within our conceded border, and the 
Northwestern posts, including Miami, Detroit, Michlimackinac and 
Green Bay, were only surrendered after the battle of Fallen Timber 
had broken the strength of the Indian tribes. 

It cannot be controverted that England, through her Canadian 
Indian department, in the hands of Col. Matthew Elliott and Capt. 
Alexandria McKee, waged a ceaseless war upon her former colonies, 
by inciting and assisting the Indian tribes year after year in 
destroying the scattered settlements, and murdering the defenseless 
people of the Northwestern border. So that the victory of Wayne 
at Fallen Timber, which was achieved within view of this spot, 
may be considered the last battle of the revolutionary war, though 
fought eleven years after the ratification of peace between the 
colonies and the mother country — Perfidious Albion. 

On the 19th of November, 1794, three months after the battle of 
Fallen Timber, the special commissioners of the two countries agreed 
upon the terms of what is known as the Jay treaty, which, with 
other stipulations, fixed June 1, 1796, as the time for surrendering 
the Northwestern posts. 

Had Wayne's legions suffered defeat, as did St. Clair, history 
would have had another story to repeat than the surrender of the 
Northwestern posts by the English, and seventeen years of peace 
with the Indian tribes, which followed that victory. 

The war of 1812, though at the time not so deemed by our 
people, was in fact, with us, a struggle for national existence. It 
was a second war for independence. 

CONDITIONS OF THE COUNTRY. 

The country was torn with faction and discord. Trade was 
stagnant. For two successive years crops had been a failure ; the 
agriculturist was a pauper, and commerce was crushed between 
edicts, blockades and embargoes, to which we were required to give 
heed, under the penalty of war with the nations of Europe, who 
were at this time arrayed either for or against France and the great 
Napoleon. 

The northwestern frontier covered a distance of at least a 
thousand miles. Within the boundaries of Ohio, the outlying settle- 
ments were included in a line from Cleveland to Wooster, and thence 
to Urbana. Weak military posts were maintained at Mackinac 



Pioneer Association. 9 



Island, at Detroit, Ft. Wayne, at the head of the Mauraee ; Ft. 
Dearborn, at the head of the Chicago river, and Ft. Harrison, at the 
forks of the Wabash, 

They were hundreds of miles apart and practically inaccessible 
to each other. The country had a population of seven and a quarter 
millions ; our domain was divided into eighteen states and four 
territories. 

Ohio's congressman. 

Ohio was entitled to but one member of Congress ; his name was 
Jeremiah Morrow and he was one of the 79 members who cast his 
vote for war. Little did he think when he cast that vote, that there 
were children then born who, within fifty-two years from that date, 
would take part in a conflict in comparison to which the war for 
which he then voted, would pale into insignificance ; but the streets 
of his native village were swept by the hissing ball; the graves of 
his kindred were plowed by shot and shell ; the brooks in which he 
had bathed when a boy ran red with the blood of his countrymen, 
for he was born and spent his early youth in the town of Gettysburg 
in the state of Pennsylvania. 

Jeremiah Morrow, his biographer says, was a plain man who 
feared God and loved his country and his fellow-men. 

In 1825, the Duke of Saxe- Weimar, while visiting this country 
on his way from Cincinnati to Columbus, conceived it his duty to 
pay his respects to the governor of Ohio, who was then on his farm 
in the neighborhood of Lebanon. Near the road were some men 
clearing ; one dressed in a red flannel shirt and home-made trowsers 
was making a wagon pole. "My man," said the Duke, "where is 
your master?" Looking up the son of toil answered, "I havo no 
master but Him above." "I desire to pay my respects to the 
governor of Ohio, where is he?" said the Duke. "I am the governor, 
I am Jeremiah Morrow," was the answer, and at once he was the 
courteous gentleman inviting the visitor and friends to make his 
house their home. Many times after was this interview described 
by that aristocrat, who had in his veins the blood of half the 
sovereigns of Europe, as an illustration of simplicity, hospitality and 
greatness. 

Anticipating hostilities and knowing by the experience of thirty 
years of atrocity and murder incited by British influence, that 
England would turn against the border the merciless hand of the 
savage, the nucleus of a little army had been gathered at Urbana 
and Dayton early in the spring. The commander was Wm. Hull, 
territorial governor of Michigan, who had been an officer of some 
note in the war of Independence. 



10 The Maumee Valley 



The plans adopted by Mr. Eiistice, secretary of war, was to 
invade Canada with four different expeditions operating at the same 
time ; one by Lake Champlain, one by Sackett's Harbor, one by 
Niagara and one b}^ Detroit. The expedition under Hull was 
destined for Detroit. 

War being certain, on the 1st of June Hull commenced his 
march, and consumed nearly a month toiling across the Black 
Swamp, building roads and bridges and blockhouses, before he 
reached this point — the rapids of the Maumee. 

It was not until the 2nd of July when he had reached the Eiver 
Raisin, that he received notice from the criminally negligent War 
department that war had been declared. 

The town of Amherstburg at the mouth of the Detroit River, 
and the British Fort Maiden which defended it, had for years been, 
and was then, the base of operation and supplies for raids against 
our Western border. 

The schemes and plots of fire and slaughter, hatched there and 
hurled thence against our defenseless settlements, would furnish a 
page of English history, bloodier and more cruel than the massacres 
of Glencoe and Wyoming. 

hull's disasters. 

That war had been declared was known at Maiden on the 30th 
of June; in time to intercept off that port the vessel carrying Hull's 
private papers, muster rolls and instructions, which he had foolishly 
dispatched by water from the Rapids to Detroit. 

But without following him farther on his way to defeat and 
disaster, by the 16th of August he had surrendered his army, with 
Detroit and its fortifications, and every man under his command, 
whether there or elsewhere. Mackinac had fallen. Fort Dearborn 
where Chicago now stands, had been abandoned and the garrison 
massacred, and every post in the Northwest except Fort Wayne and 
Fort Harrison were in the hands of the enemy. 

The expedition at Niagara had been beaten back ; Dearborn's 
invasion by way of Lake Champlain became an idle threat, and the 
beginning of 1813 saw the country at the end of a year of disgrace, 
such as God forbid it may ever experience again. 

Everything in the East was a failure, from the inefficient War 
department down to the cowardly and mutinous militia that refused 
to cross the border. 

In all, it was a series of campaigns of bombast and imbecility. 
It is said that at Lewistown while thousands of militia stood looking 
across where a force of their comrades at Queenstown Heights were 



Pioneer Association. 11 



laeset by superior immbers of the enemj'^, and fin-aiiy tsompelled to 
siirrcndei", when called to the rescue, all refused, except thirteen 
Irishmen from JSTevv York. Whether or not these Hibernians were 
members of the Tammany society, history does not recount. 

On the 7Lii of November, 1811, less than ten months before the 
declaration of war, the peace with the Indians, that had been con- 
cluded at Greenville 17 years before, was broken by the battle of 
Tipjiecanoc. 

The commander in that engagement was Wm. Henry Harrison, 
tiie governor of Indian Territory. 

The disasters of 1812, particularly the surrender of Hull, 
aroused the people of the Western states to the necessity of defense. 

ORGANIZED DEFENSE. 

Foremost in patriotism and war spirit were the people of 
Kentucky. A race of warriors and orators, in response to the 
matchless eloquence of such men as Henry Clay, they flew to arms. 
Their governor was Isaac Shelby. Thirty-two years before, the 
year 1780, was the darkest year of the American revolution. The 
Colonial army under Gen. Horatio Gates had been destroyed at 
Camden, and the colonies of Yirginia,]Srorth and South Carolina and 
Georgia, were prostrate at the feet of the conquoring Cornwallis, 
The British general, Ferguson, had posted himself in an almost 
impregnable position, on a ridge, in what is now Gaston -county. 
North Carolina, called the King's Mountain, and with none to 
oppose, he was dealing out British justice to the patriots, with sabre 
and halter and torch. 

From over the mountains and through the forests, hundreds of 
miles away, came a body of frontiersmen ; they were from the 
Holsten and Clinch river settlements in North Carolina and Tenn- 
essee, and from Harrodsburg and Boonesborough, Kentucky. They 
were a people, and from a region of which the British had never 
heard. They were inferior in number to their adversaries, yet at 
3 o'clock in the afternoon of October 7th, 1780, they attacked the 
British position, and in less than 70 minutes. Gen. Ferguson's army 
and Gen. Ferguson himself ceased to exist. The right hand of 
Cornwallis was destroyed, and it was again possible to establish free 
government on this continent. The leaders of these heroes, who 
thus broke the British power, were Sevier and Campbell, and this 
same man, Isaac Shelby. 

Such confidence had the people of Kentucky in the bravery 
and sagacity of the hero of Tippecanoe that Governor Shelby made 
him commander of the militia of that state. 



12 The Ma.umee Valley 



William Henry Harrison was a native of Virginia; at this 
time he was 39 year old. This region was not new to him. When 
a youth of 21 he served on the staff of Gen. Wayne, and was con- 
spicuous at the battle of Fallen Timber. He was one of the finest 
characters the country ever produced. The history of the North- 
west for 40 years is his history. He was clerk of the courts of 
Hamilton county, Ohio, when made the ninth President of the 
United States. 

His father, Benjamin Harrison, was chairman of the committee 
of the whole house when the Declaration of Independence was 
agreed to. and signed that immortal charter. When John Hancock 
was chosen to preside over the Continental Congress, it was he who 
conducted Hancock to the chair, and said, "Great Britain should be 
convinced that we are in earnest, when we make a man our presi- 
dent whom she has excluded from pardon by public proclamation." 

Harrison, prompt to act, gathered the Kentucky levies at 
Cincinnati. Fort Harrison then commanded by a young man 
named Zachary Taylor, who afterwards became the twelfth Presi- 
dent of the United States, and Fort Wayne, were both besieged by 
the Indians; Vincennes was in danger and men had been murdered 
and scalped within 30 miles of Louisville. 

To relieve these beleagured garrisons he at once pushed on. He 
arrived at Ft. Wayne, September 12, 1812, and while engaged in 
chastising the savages in that vicinity. Gen. James Winchester, of 
the regular army, arrived at the fort, and as ranking officer assumed 
command. 

THE COMMANDER-IN CHIEF. 

Under this unfortunate man, aside from the massacre at 
Chicago, the first real tragedy of the war was enacted. 

On his way to resume the duties of governor of Indiana terri- 
tory, Harrison was met at St. Marys by an express bearing his 
commission as commander-in-chief of the Army of the Northwest. 
He immediately formulated plans for his campaign. He proposed 
to make this place — the foot of the rapids — the base of his operations. 
With his troops once concentrated here he would move immediately 
on Detroit. 

The Virginians and Pennsylvanians early in October gathered 
at Lower Sandusky, now Fremont ; the Ohio levies who were to 
march here over Hull's road through the Black Swamp were 
floundering in the mud a hundred miles from the Maumee. Win- 
chester had come from Fort Wayne to Fort Defiance ; and such was 
the impassible condition of the country that not a pound of supplies 
could be transported to the Maumee. 



Pioneer Association. 



13 




14 The Maumee Valley 



In December, 1812, Winchester started from Defiance to this 
place, and reached here on January 10, 1813, after a two week's 
march through the snow. While encamped here he was solicited to 
go to the relief of a French settlement on the Eiver Kaisin, where 
the city of Monroe now stands, called French Town. The place was 
then held by about 300 Canadian militia and Indians. Winchester 
had here 1,300 troops. At Amherstburg, 18 miles from French 
Town, lay 4,000 British and Indians under Gen. Proctor. 

With less military judgment than a child, on the 18th of Febru- 
ary, Winchester dispatched 650 men to the River Raisin, and 
followed next day with 250 regulars of the Seventeenth infantry. 

On the 21st his command was overwhelmed by the forces of 
Proctor, who had hastened from Amherstburg to attack him. 

The British general, as barbarous and inhuman as his savage 
allies, suffered the Indians to murder, scalp and burn the wounded 
and other prisoners who fell into their hands, so that of nearly 900 
men, less than 40 escaped death and capture. 

NAMED FOR GOVERNOR MEIGS. 

At this time Harrison was at Upper Sandusky, where were 
bis stores and convoy and artillery and the right wing of his army; 
and at which place Gen. Crooks with the Pennsylvania militia had 
built Fort Ferree. The center of the army was at Fort Mc Arthur, 
about three miles west of the site of the present town of Kenton. 
Being informed that Winchester intended to move upon French 
Town, Harrison hastened forward to the Rapids, only to meet the 
fugitives, and hear the story of the slaughter of the left wing of his 
army. By the 30th of January reinforcements and artillery arrived, 
and on the 1st of February he commenced the construction on this 
spot of a fortified camp, which, in honor of the' man who was then 
governor of the state, he called Ft. Meigs. Return Jonathan Meigs 
was his name; he had been a soldier, a Senator in Congress and 
Postmaster General of the United States. He was a patriot, honored 
and respected by his people. He was named after his father, a 
brave soldier of the Revolution, who was with Arnold at Quebec 
and with Wayne at Stony Point. 

In the halcyon days when the world was young to the youth 
and Quaker girl who were destined to become the grandfather and 
grandmother of our governor ; to the boy's fervid plea for grace and 
favor at her hand — as many women befoi-e and after have done — 
her lips said nay when her heart said yea. The paralyzed youth, 
with shattered hopes, turned from her, to face alone that aching void 
the vulgar call the world. At the edge of the field she called to him 



Pioneer Association. 15 



in her prim Quaker parlance, "Return Jonathan ;" the sweet voice 
sounding across the meadow was to him the pardon of a queen ; and 
that he might always liear the words spoken by the same sweet 
voice — when she softly called the name of their firstborn; when in 
pride she spoke of their glorious soldier son — the father called the 
boy Keturn Jonathan Meigs. 

STORMING THE PORT. 

The military operations in the Northwest at the date of the 
construction of Fort Meigs had resulted in the capture of Mackinac, 
the surrender of Hull, the massacre at Fort Dearborn, and the 
destruction of Winchester. 

On the 28th day of April, 1813, the British, under Proctor, and 
the Indians, led by Tecumseh, invested this place. Proctor had 
1,300 men; Tecumseh led 2,000 warriors. On the 1st of May the 
enemy completed his batteries. To defend the fort, Harrison at this 
time could muster fit for duty, about 1,000 men. Proctor's camp 
was at and directly below old Fort Miami. Fort Miami was too strong 
for Wayne to assault after the battle of Fallen Timber, and it was 
while reconnoitering the position within pistol shot of the works, 
when an ai'tillerist asked permission of Major Campbell, the com- 
mandant, to ti-ain a gun on the general and his staff, that Wayne 
heard the wholesome advice of that officer to his subordinate, "Be a 
gentleman, be a gentleman." 

The gun batteries for the reduction of these works, were estab- 
lished immediately across the river, as I understand it, on the present 
sites of the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches, in the village of 
Maumee, and one between those two points. A mortar battery was 
planted farther down the river, and on the night of May 3rd, a bat- 
tery was established by the enemy in the ravine to the northwest of 
these works. 

I will not attempt to recount the deeds of heroism performed by 
this beleagured garrison, who knew that surrender meant torture 
and death; though their enemy was of their race, laid claim to the 
highest civilization, and begged mercy through the i^edeeming blood 
of the same Divine Master. 

In the history of the world, no country has waged war more 
cruelly, the annals of no country have more scenes of blood and ruin 
to describe, no country has so often invoked the willing hands and 
malignant hearts of savage men, as has Great Britain ; some instan- 
ces of which I have heard recounted by the trembling lips of aged 
men, to whose dying day the ghastly scenes were vivid. 



16 The Maumee Valley 



olay's relief party. 

At 12 o'clock on the night of May 4th, Capt. William Oliver, the 
same hero who had borne tidings of the approaching succor to the 
defenders of Fort Wayne, dared almost certain death to bring the 
message that Gen. Green Clay, with nearly 1,200 Kentuckians ap- 
proaching down the river in flat boats, was within two hours of the 
Fort. Under orders from Harrison, 800 of these men, commanded 
by Col. Dudley, landed on the British side of the river, near the 
battle field of Fallen Timber, and proceeding down the river attack- 
ed the British batteries, and took them ; but carried away by im- 
petuous ardor, and memory of murdered kindred, pursued the 
enemy into the forest, to such a distance, that Proctor was enabled 
to throw from his camp, a sufficient force to intercept and capture all 
but about 150 of these brave and unfortunate men. 

The surrender was made to Englishmen, not to Indians. The 
prisoners were taken down to old Fort Miami, and there was enact- 
ed a tragedy that will never be forgotten by those who claim kinship, 
either in blood or patriotism, to that devoted band. Approaching 
the fort, and in the fort, they were stripped and scourged and shot 
and tomahawked by the Indians, under the eyes of the British 
officers, whose weak protest against this appalling cruelty bears 
conviction that they were worse men at heart than the savages them- 
selves. To a protest made to Col. Matthew Elliott, against this in- 
human disregard of the rules of civilized warfare, the only response 
was, " And pray, sir, who are you ? " I have it from English au- 
thority that the flesh of some of those prisoners was boiled and eaten 
by the savages, not secretly, but openly, and in the vicinity of 
Proctor's camp. 

It was for Tecumseh, who was a better and broader man than 
his Christian colleague, to put an end to the carnage. He upbraided 
Proctor for not having prevented the massacre, and told him he was 
unfit to command. 

The part of Gen. Clay's forces which did not follow Dudlej^, 
succeeded after some trouble in entering the fort; and while the 
battle was in progress on the west side of the river, a sortie was 
made, and the British battery on this side was carried. 

On the morning of the 9th of May, the British deeming the cap- 
ture of the place hopeless, raised the siege and returned to 
Amherstburg. 

Such is a synopsis, hastily gathered, of the first siege of Fort 
Meigs, upon the successful defense of which greater consequences 
depended than did the heroes who stood behind its walls ever 
dream. 



Pioneer Association. 17 



Harrison at once repaired to other scenes of action and other 
duties, leaving the fort in command of Gen. Green Clay. 

On the 20th of July Geu. Proctor, with a larger force than be- 
fore, approached this place, but after a few skirmishes and an 
attempt by strategy to draw the garrison out to attack him, decided 
the works too strong and well defended to assault, and sailed around 
into Sandusky bay, leaving Tecumseh and his Indians to follow 
across by land. 

THE ATTACK ON PORT STEPHENSON. 

From thence Gen. Porter at once detached a portion of his forces 
up the Sandusky river to reduce Fort Stephenson, at Lower San- 
dusky, where now stands the beautiful city of Fremont. General 
Harrison, owing to the weakness of the position and the force that 
might be brought against it, determined upon the abandonment and 
destruction of the jDOst, and so ordered ; but the suddenness of its 
investment prevented that precaution. 

For Stephenson was defended by one gun and 160 men — young 
men. Pi'octor's force consisted of 3,300 British and Indians, and six 
guns. 

In command of the fort was Major George Croghan, a boy not 
yet 22 years old. He was the nephew of Gen. George Eodger Clark, 
whose campaign in 1778 against Vincennes and the Kaskaskia towns, 
conquored and held the Illinois country, comprising, as then under- 
stood, the present States of Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and that 
part of Minnesota east of the Mississippi river. And so completely 
did he conquor it, and so tenaciously did he hold it, that when Mr. 
Oswold, one of the British commissioners to negotiate the articles of 
peace between England and the United Colonies, demanded that the 
Ohio river be made our western boundary, in which demand he was 
supported by both the French and Spanish commissioners, he and 
they had to concede as claimed by our commissioners, particularly 
by John Adams, that the Illinois country had been conquored and 
was then held by the military forces of the United Colonies. Thus 
compelling the cession to us of that vast empire by the treat}^ that 
ended the Eevolutionary war, signed at Versailles, September 3, 
1783. 

Proctor demanded the surrender of Fort Stephenson, with 
threats of general massacre in case of refusal. The young com- 
mander, worthy of the blood that bounded in his veins, answered, 
"That if the enemy took that foit they would find nobody left to 
surrender it. That rather than yield it, its garrison would die to the 
last man." 



18 The Maumee Valley 



The enemy opened fire on the evening of August 1. On the 
evening of the 2nd, 350 regulars of the British 4l8t regiment, led by- 
Lieut. Col. Short, made the assault. His orders to his men as he 
leaped into the ditch followed by his veterans, was to " give the 
d — d Yankees no quartex's." 

The withering fire of the gun by which the fort was defended, 
loaded to the muzzle with slugs, as it was, and raking the ditch at a 
distance of 30 feet, determined the conflict very suddenly. And the 
white handkerchief of the mortally wounded leader, was seen 
through the gloom depending from his sword point, as he feebly 
asked, that mercy, which a moment before he had directed his men 
to deny. 

Proctor beat a hasty retreat. The English veterans had gone 
up against a new generation ; young America was too many for 
them. The loss of the garrison was but one man. 

Major Oroghan died in the city of New Orleans, of cholera, on 
the anniversary of the battle of New Orleans, January 8, 1849. 

Early in the year 1813 Armstrong had succeeded Eustice as 
Secretary of War. John Armstrong was a soldier. 

THE MASTERS OF NORTH AMERICA. 

The masters of the great lakes are in a military sense, the mas- 
ters of the Mississippi valley. The masters of the great lakes are in 
a commercial sense the masters of North America. This fact was 
self evident as long ago as when the French voyageur brought his 
furs down to the store houses of Montreal and Quebec. The Dutch 
knew it, when they reached out toward the fresh water seas, up the 
Hudson and the Mohawk. 

The Jesuits who knew everything, were swift to see it, and 
founded their missions of peace on Lake Huron and at St. Ignace 
and Green Bay. 

Henri Tonty — he of the iron hand — and LaSalle saw it. Fron- 
tenac, the father of New France, acted upon that conviction when he 
fortified the St. Lawrance, and the head lands of Erie and Ontario ; 
and Cadillac, when he founded Detroit, and made strong the French 
posts on the upper lakes. The wiley Iroquois, the statesman, the 
warrior, the governor, the conqueror; they who for a hundred years 
successfully held these waters against all comers, and were the 
power behind which the English colonies grew into manhood, made 
this fact observient to all their bloodshed and aggression. 

In recognition of it Montcalm and Wolfe gave up their lives on 
the Plains of Abraham. Washington saw it, when in the solemn 
woods of the Monongahela. he fired the vollcv that, set the world 



Pioneer Association. 19 



aflame, and changed the map of two continents. George II and 
George III, and Lewis XV knew it, when they struggled for posses- 
sion of this garden of the earth. "Wellington declared it, when asked 
to take command in America. The British Minister Gastlereagh 
disclosed that to control these vestibules of this continent, had been 
the policy of the English government for a century; when his com- 
missioners negotiated the treaty of Ghent. And we must know it, 
and we must realize it, and we must act upon it, for sooner or later, 
but sure and of necessity, the flag that predominate these lakes, will 
float over North America Irom Mexico to the pole. And whatever 
be the exigency when self preservation forces us to meet it we must 
be prepared, for sentiment, nor treasure, nor blood must stand in the 
way of the safety of this republic. 

Finally the cabinet of Mr. Madison discovered that a successful 
conclusion of the war, depended upon the possession of these waters. 

perry's grand fight. 

And on the very day of Proctor's unsuccessful attack upon Fort 
Stephenson, a fleet was ready to cross the bar at Erie, Penn. When 
Anthony Wayne died there nineteen j^ears before, the place was 
called Presque Isle. 

This fleet Was under the command of Oliver Hazzerd Perry, a 
lieutenant in the U. S. navy. He was a young man, less than a 
month over 28 years old. He had been in the active service of his 
country since 1799, when as a boy of 14 years, he served under his 
father on the frigate Gen. Green, and he was still in the service of 
his country at the time of his death from yellow fever on the island 
of Trinidad, in August, 1819, at the age of 34. 

His fleet consisted of nine vessels, a total of 54 guns and 416 
men. Compared to the present magnificent commercial navies of 
these inland seas, his squadron would scarcely amount to salvage, for 
its aggregate displacement was barely 1671 tons. 

The British at this time commanded the great lakes. It was 
their policy and they were prepared to carry on a war of conquest. 
The stringent order of Sir John Provost to Gen. Proctor was that 
" the recourses of the enemy on the great lakes must become ours." 

The British fleet was commanded by Capt. Eobert Hariot Bar- 
clay. He was an able officer ; he had served with distinction under 
Nelson, was a veteran of Trafalgar, and had lost an arm in battle 
with the French. His fleet consisted of six vessels with an aggre- 
gate displacement of 1460 tons, a total of 440 men and 63 guns. With 
such navies was the fate ot this country to be decided. 

Amherstburg, or Maiden as it was more often called, was the 



20 The Maumee Valley 



headquai'ters of the British fleet, and there the British ships lay on 
the evening of September 9, 1813, Perry had retired to Put-in-Bay. 
There at sunrise on the morning of the 10th, the enemy's fleet was 
discovered from the mast-head of the Lawrence, bearing down the 
lake. P^rry immediately accepted the gauge of battle thus so gal- 
lantly thrown down, and at once got under way to meet them. 

If that engagement were fought to-day, the guests from the win- 
dows of Hotel Victory, looking to the northwest, would be spectators 
of every phase of the conflict. Without entering into the details of 
that famous victory, Barclay opened the fight at 11:45 o'clock, and, 
after having with true British bravery, fought his ships to a dead 
standstill, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon Perry was enabled, while the 
smoke of the battle was still in the air, to write that famous dispatch 
to Harrison, which commenced with the words, " We have met the 
enemy, and they are ours." 

By the failure at Fort Meigs, the defeat at Fort Stephenson, and 
the capture of Barclay's' fleet, the charm of British invincibility was 
broken. The consequences of the latter victory wei-e vital. It gave 
us control of the great lakes, it compelled the evacuation of Maiden, 
it recovered Detroit and Michigan, and all that Hull had lost, and 
opened the way to the invasion of Canada. 

General Harrison speedily embarked the army, landed on the 
enemy's soil, pui'sued Proctor to the Moravian towns, and practically 
terminated the war in the Northwest at the battle of the Thames. 

I might here incidentally remark, to remind us of the depend- 
ence of one section of our country upon the other, that in the thick- 
est of the battle of the Thames, driving the butchers back from the 
weak and scattered settlements of Ohio, rode at the head of his 3,000 
Kentuckians, the same old Governor Shelby, who had fought Fergu- 
son to the death at Kings Mountain, and made Harrison commandei- 
of the Kentucky militia. In fiact, Harrison's report bears out the 
statement that except 120 regulars of the 27th infantry, his entire 
force in that battle were Kentuckians. 

This war upon the part of England was a war of aggrandizement 
and conquest. The policy of the British government has not 
changed; then, as now, she was ready to attack the weak, and 
ready to negotiate and temporize with the strong. 

Though the American Congress on that 18th day of June deem- 
ed war necessary to maintain our commercial independence, yet the 
demands of the British commissioners, in the negotiations which ter- 
minated in the treaty of Ghent — Christmas eve, 1814 — discloses be- 
yond all doubt that the provocation of hostility was studied, and 
intentional, on the part of the British cabinet, not for the purpose of 



Pioneer Association. 21 



sustaining its paper blockades, and its pretended right to search our 
ships on the high seas, and impress our sailors into the English ser- 
vice ; those subjects are not hinted at in the treaty, and were not 
discussed at the conference. But with the policy and design of des- 
poiling us of our territory, and disrupting this republic. 

THE PEACE COMMISSION. 

Our peace commissioners were John Quincy Adams, James A. 
Bayard, Henry Clay, Albert Gallitan and Jonathan Eussell. All 
were in Europe at the time of their confirmation by the Senate ex- 
cept Clay and Russell, who sailed in February, 1814. In contempt 
of us, and desiring to humiliate us in the eyes of Europe, and for the 
purpose of prolonging the war, the British commissioners did not 
leave Jjondon until August. There were three of them. The place 
of meeting was the city of Ghent. 

Castlereagh had sent a splendid army to America in May. and 
expected to hear of some crushing victories, which would compel 
our commissioners to accept any terms he might dictate. He heard 
from that army even after the treaty of peace had been signed. 

The British general, Eoberts, he who fought the war with 
Afghanistan, in a recent article on the campaign of Waterloo, pub- 
lished in an English magazine, asserts, as a fact in proof of Welling- 
ton's superior military genius, that Waterloo was not fought by the 
best troops in the British army; but that the flower of that army, 
and the finest military organization in the world, had not at the 
time of that conflict yet returned from North America. These men 
were the same who, on that 8th of January, two weeks after the 
peace of Ghent, went up against Jackson's cotton bales at New 
Orleans. 

The very character of the commissioners appointed by the 
English cabinet has since been deemed an insult, to tis. One of them, 
Lord Gambler, had charge of the expedition that bombarded and 
burned the defenseless cit}^ of Copenhagen, and for this outrage upon 
civilization he was called to the peerage. Goulburn and William 
Adams, the other two, the chronicler says, were never known before 
nor heard of after that service. 

The only consolation I get for the haughty and overbearing de- 
portment of these fellows, I gather from the diary of John Quincy 
Adams, of which Gen. Jackson, " Old Hickory," once said: "Damn 
Adams's diary ; it's always bobbing up when not wanted. He re- 
quires no other evidence of truth than his diary, and wants every- 
body to concede that it imparts absolute verity, like the record of a 
Court." 



22 The Maumee Valley 



Mr. Adams says that Mr. Clay introduced a game amongst those 
fellows, and also amongst the Hollanders, which must have been 
akin to poker, and gathered in their money and bric-a-brac and 
pictures and statuary, until in fact the captain of the ship upon 
which they were to sail home, for want of room to store it, refused 
to receive any more on board. John Quincy, in a very still voice, 
relates that he, himself, came into possession of a very fine picture, 
which Mr. Clay procured for him at the end of a game of cards. 
Surely Henry was a true Kentuckian. 

INFAMOUS BRITISH DEMANDS. 

On the question of boundary between the United States and the 
British possessions, the audacious propositions were made by the 
British commissioners, and made as propositions not to be receded 
from (they were demands rather than propositions,) that as a barrier 
between this country and Canada, to be occupied by the Indians or 
by some third party to whom the Indians might sell, we should cede 
all that territory north and west of the Grreenville treaty line. That 
line runs from the mouth of the Great Miami river to the mouth of 
the Cuyahoga. 

When Mr. Gallitin asked what would be done with the thousands 
of citizens who Were living north and west of that line in Indiana, 
Illinois, Ohio and Michigan, His Majesty's commissioners haughtily 
replied that they could shift for themselves. 

The further demands were made that we should cede that por- 
tion of Maine lying north of a line from Halifax to Quebec. 

That we should cede that portion of our territory lying north of 
a line from the head of the Mississippi river to lake Superior. 

That we should dismantle our fortifications on the great lakes, 
and never maintain an armed force upon any of the lakes, or upon 
any of the rivers emptying into any of those lakes, England, how- 
ever, to have as many ships and ports on said lakes as she might de- 
sire. And in addition to this, a confirmation of the free navigation 
of the Mississippi river, which she claimed under the treaty of 
Yersailles. 

For these purposes had England poured her magnificent armies 
upon our shores and turned loose the murderous savages upon our 
borders. She rated us then about as she does Venezuela now. With 
her it was acquisition, subversion and dismemberment. 

These propositions were those of Lord Castlereagh himself, who 
was in Ghent, on his way to the Congress of Nations at Vienna, 
when the propositions were submitted. They were each rejected by 
our commissioners without discussion. 



Pioneer Association. 23 



The British cabinet then appealed to Wellington, who waH then 
in Paris, to take command in America. He answered that though 
he did not expect to succeed, he would go if ordered; but that Eng- 
land needed neither troops, nor a general in America, but the naval 
supremac}'- of the great lakes; and added, that in his opinion the 
success of the British armies so far in the war, did not warrant the 
demands of the English cabinet. 

In short, the treaty finall}^ agreed upon was the status before 
the war, and so it ended, 

I have detained you at this length with these facts that you may 
know, and particularly the younger of this audience may realize 
how momentous were the consequences of these victories to us. 

And here we meet to-day, the citizens of a great commonwealth, 
living in peace upon this territory which then trembled in the bal- 
ance, enjoying to the fall the liberty and sovereignty secured to us 
by victories purchased with the blood of men whose bones lie mould- 
ering here. 

Look about you. Here is where Lieutenants Walker and Mc- 
CuUough lie buried. The head of the latter, while he was convers- 
ing with the general, was dashed to pieces by a British solid shot ; 
the other met death in the line of his duty. There, behind Mr. 
Hays's house, the Pittsburg Blues sleep their last sleep. Yonder, 
outside of the southwest escarpment of this fort, are those who fell 
during the siege, and others who, far from home and kindred, yield- 
ed their lives to disease and hardship ; and yonder, by the shriveled 
walnut tree, rest poor Dudley and his Kentuckians, all sleeping 
away the centuries, unhonored and unsung, in nameless and for- 
gotten graves. 

And instead of a grateful country guarding the sacred ashes of 
her glorious defenders, it remains for two patriotic citizens, the 
owners of this property, to preserve from vandal hands this hallow- 
ed spot, this bivouac of the dead. What a disgrace that their last 
resting place should be so left to silence and desolation; what a 
stigma upon the people of this State and his nation is it that these 
men, without whose presence here, and without whose blood this 
spot would be to-day British soil a hundred miles beyond our 
northern boundary, should be so totally forgotten. 

These heroes, who gave their lives to preserve the integrity of 
this republic, and died that this magnificent part of God's earth, 
these waters that thrill with the whisperings of a thousand legends, 
these hills and these valleys big with the memory of mighty events 
in the history of this people, might still be a part of our country ; 
and so lay down here in their last sleep that we may enjoy the lib- 
erty and protection of free government, not subjects but citizens, 
with no man above the law, each safe in his place of worship, or at 
his fireside ; each secure to walk the earth in God's sunlight, or 
wrapped in the mantle of the night, to watch with peace the glories 
of the sky. 



24 



The Maumee Valley 







4) 

oa 

(1> 
(Si 

OS 



Pioneer Association. 25 



ON 

LIFE AND CHARACTER OF CHIEF JUSTICE WAITE, 

BY 

JUDGE THOMAS DUNLAP, DELIVERED AT FORT MEIGS, 

AUGUST 12th, 1896. 



I am here to say something to you about Chiet 
Justice Waite. I am fortunate in being before you, the 
pioneers of Maumee Valley, of whose association he was 
so long an honored member, for the purpose of saying 
words which shall echo the pride and affection with which 
you cherish his memory. 

To you, old settlers of the valley, who were familiar' 
with his incoming and his outgoing, and who knew his 
daily walk and conversation while he dwelt among us for 
so many years, I need not say, to know him once was to 
love him always. It I fail to recall to your minds any 
prominent trait of his character, if I omit to portray any 
well-marked feature, I know there are scores of gray 
beards here before me who can fill out any hints or sug- 
gestions, and supply all my omissions with material 
enough to furnish his lull length portrait in his very habit 
as he lived. 

How friendly he was. Not with show and form and 
parade, but ever homelike, kindly, constant. His grasp 
of the hand was not the eager grip of the politician seek- 
ing to beguile you of a vote. It was not the ambiguous 
fast and loose clasp of polite society, to be cast off like a 
slip-knot, or tightened like a clove hitch, according as 
your fortunes went up or down. With the touch of his 
hand he drew men near to him, and secured them for 
life in the bonds of a familiar friendship, sweet and pleas- 
ant as that which sanctifies the story of David and Jona- 
than. 



26 



The Maumee Valley 



More than any one I ever knew he had the faculty 
of making and retaining friends. In social life you always 
found him at ease, neither greater nor less than the de- 
mand of the hour. Just so in business, he was selt-pos- 




MORRISON R. WAITE. 



sessed and easily master of the situation, and did the best 
practical thing, when and where it ought to be done. 
Many of you retain in mind the time and occasion when 



Pioneer Association. 27 



you exchanged with him a kindly greeting for the last 
time, neither knowing it to be the last. It may be, some 
of you who met him at Fort Meigs one sunny afternoon a 
couple of years ago, have never seen him since. When I 
recall in incidents of that gathering how pleasant it seems. 
How one friend now gone on that journey from whence 
he shall return no more, was there with us, the center of 
attraction. How cordial was his greeting. How eyes 
brightened up and faces lightened up at his approach. 

How he passed from group to group of old acquain- 
tances. How their eyes followed him, and his cheery 
voice warmed them all into a glow of satisfaction at the 
meeting, 

"How are you, Tom ?" 

"Come here, John ! 
."Hello, Peter! " 

"Billings, I am glad to see you !" You saw, indeed, 
the same Mott Waite, unspoiled by the dignity of office. 
The same pure, fresh, manly spirit lived within him and 
looked joyously out at you from his eyes, the windows of 
his soul. His strong, clear, commonsense enabled him 
to keep his pois, without being made dizzy by the elevat- 
ed station to which he had grown by a process of natural 
development and selection. Does the thought arise in 
the minds of someone, that the recital of the little emeni- 
ties of manner which advanced the social life of the late 
Chief Justice is unsuited to the dignity of the great part 
he filled in the tribunals of the state and nation. 

In my judgment no portrait of the man can be made 
lifelike which has not its backp-round toned and tinted 
with the color of his genial manners. There is yet 
another purpose in my allusion to his taking ways with 
people. 

The hold he had upon us was such that we thought 
most of him as our friend. As such we were proud of 



28 The Maumee Valley 



him, and we held a sort of property in him as if he were 
a family relative. And accordingly we did not realize the 
space he occupied in the nation outside of the Maumee 
Valley, outside of Ohio, among the millions that are 
counted and have their homes under the flag of our 
nation. Our home lawyers were proud to think of him 
as their big brother. Our pioneers knew him as their 
great friend. On the day the dispatch came announcing 
his death, there came also to many of us a revelation of 
his importance as a public man that had not been seen so 
clearly before. His* familiar life among us had made us 
unconscious spectators of his vigorous growth. His rise 
had been so natural and easy. His fulfillment of the 
great trusts committed to him from time to time had been 
so perfect, and the light of his friendship had always 
beamed so steadily upon us. 

Following that dispatch there came to us with a 
sound as of many waters the voices of the pulpit and of 
the press, of the bench and of the bar swelling in unison 
the loud acclaim, "Well done, good and faithful servant ; 
enter thou into the joy of thy rest." From the North and 
from the South, from the East and from the West of our 
national boundaries, and from across the wide Atlantic 
came the tide of his praises rising to the full measure of 
the united voice of the English speaking nations of the 
earth. Such tribute and such acclamation of praise may 
well cause us to enlarge our estimate his stature among 
the great historical figures of our day and generation. 
The story of his life presents no startling contrasts, no 
dramatic surprises. It is familiar to you all. Yet to me 
who has known him so long, to you who have seen before 
)/Our eyes his steady growth and successful progress, a 
brief review of it, at this time may not be without interest. 
I invite you to go over it again with me rapidly and 
lovingly. 

Passing by without dwelling on his parentage of 



Pioneer Association. 29 



puritan stock and his early training in the land of steady 
habits, we note a friendship of his youth which later on 
had its influence in opening for him the path which led to 
national distinction. Among his classmates at college 
there were an unusual number who became men of marked 
reputation. William M. Evarts, whose name is part of 
the nation's history, was one of these ; he was, perhaps, 
the most serviceable triends Wait ever had. For after 
years whose story was all unknown and unforseen to 
those young college mates, had passed, and after their 
lots in life had been cast in parts of our broad lands, re- 
moved from each other as far as the East is from the 
West, we find the spell of old friendship between these 
two still unbroken, and we recognize the thought ot one 
reaching out from the East and beckoning to his old col- 
lege chum in the West. 

In 1835 M. R. Waite, the possessor of a diploma, 
and some business experience in the law office of his 
father, came to the ferry at the crossing of the Maumee 
River from the south to the north bank, near Maumee 
City. He was full of life and anxious to try his fortune. 
The river was to him the Rubicon of his destiny. He 
crossed and it began to grow in favor with God and man 
the moment he stepped on its northern shore. Like 
Grant he was modest. Like Grant he patiendy abided 
his time. Like Washington the elevation of character he 
brought with him to the highest station had its founda- 
tion in the integrity of a mind always obedient to his 
consciousness to what was right. 

The popularity of his manners would have readily 
opened to him the door to political refinement. But he 
was first and last and all the time a lawyer. A term in 
the State legislature heartily disgusted him with politics 
Later on a canvass for Congress undertaken against his 
wish, without any desire or request on his part, finished 
the chapter of baptism in the muddy pool of politics. 



30 The Maumee Valley 



Which chapter a famous poHtician, then a Senator in 
Congress, made a text of a two hour's speech in the 
United States senate at the time of his nomination to the 
office of Chief Justice was under consideration. The 
speech no doubt displayed a superfluity of zeal and of 
words ; for right after it was ended, the vote taken for 
confirmation was unanimous, the Senator from Massachu- 
setts alone declining to vote. 

In his chosen profession Mr. Waite was easily first 
in Lucas County. Thence his reputation spread over the 
Northwest soon expanding beyond the limits of the State, 
it became known in the courts of the national government. 

When he crossed the ferry to Maumee City he found 
a frontier town largely on paper. The paper indeed 
showed broad avenues and bewitching corner lots. The 
boom of 1836 was preparing to be launched. Conant 
street led up the hill from the landing northerly to the 
woods skirting the town plat, when the canal was about 
to be built but as yet appeared best on the map. The 
highway turning to the west went on through the almost 
unbroken forest. The same trees were there, under whose 
shadow the British and Indians, 22 years before his com- 
ing, had marched to the siege of Fort Meigs. The same 
forest still shadowed the path of an occasional Indian 
wandering aimlessly with his face turned toward the west 
rather by fate than by choice. The thicket of the same 
forest still harbored the timid doe and the spotted fawn, 
who found shelter and a home therein. Wolf and bear 
scalps were still taken in those very woods. The coon 
and the wild turkey still lived there. 

On Conant street^ at the left hand as you come up 
from the river, on the crest of high ground, there stood 
the unpretentious building in which as a law student 
young Waite began work. It was a frame house, clap- 
boarded and shingled. It had glass windows, without 
blinds and panel doors. It had a thin coat of dingy white 



Pioneer Association. 31 



paint, which gave it a neglected look. Its style of archi- 
tecture represented the next remove above the two story 
log cabin. There were not wanting at that time sturdy 
log cabins on that town plat which were solid and com- 
fortable. Notably and near by was the log cabin where 
lived the Nelson family. 

Horatio Conant, one of the founders of the town, who 
was a physician and also a justice of the peace, dispensed 
medicine and justice in the lower part of the building. 
Its upper rooms were the law office ol Samuel M. Young 
with whom Waite entered as a law student. 

The plain, not to say ordinary looking building 
wherein was began the career which ended on the 
Supreme bench at Washington, was sufficiently uninter- 
esting and commonplace in appearance to make a first- 
class illustration for a page of biography in a popular 
magazine. You, my friends, have the picture in your 
minds without the aid of graver's art. 

You remember well the good doctor, his mild way, 
his high, broad forehead and intelligent face. Some of 
you have been patients of his, or suitors in his court may- 
hap. The doctor was college-bred, of more than average 
culture, and much reserved for his sterling integrity, his 
soeratic simplicity of manner, and his calm, steady, 
Christian philosophy of life. 

Mr. Young was the leading lawyer and business man 
of the settlement. After Mr. Waite was admitted to the 
bar, the firm became known as Young & Waite. 

For some years the county courts of Lucas County 
were held at Maumee City, and there in the then new 
brick court house, Mr. Waite began his regular practice, 
which, however, was now confined to Lucas County. It 
was the custom then for the lawyers to ride to neighbor- 
ing counties, very much in the same way as the early 
circuit preachers rode their circuits, namely, on horse- 
back, with saddle-bags, and their legs well protected by 



32 The Mautnee Valley 



spatterdashes of coarse cloth to keep off the briars and the 
mud. Thus it often happened, the old court room in 
Maumee City would be the meeting place of the lawyers, 
young and old, from other counties far and near, among 
whom, two young men were sometimes seen together 
there, one from Sandusky County, and one from Lucas 
County. They were on their way to the two highest offices 
in the nation. No one then thought that Morrison R. 
Waite would one day in years to come as Chief Justice, 
administer the oath of office to Rutherford B. Hayes, as 
President of the nation. The current of events which 
were to carry them so far in advance of their several start- 
ing points had, however, already set in. The future head 
of judiciary had begun to master the law. His natural 
aptitude for his profession developed more and more the 
character and strength of his mind. 

Like those men who not only get, but keep money, he 
never lost a point of law once gained, and his accumula- 
tions of legal lore, like the stores of a rich man's money, 
were always ready at command, and always drawing in- 
terest. He was always making the mass of his learning 
larger and mdre effective, as the banker does with his 
ever increasing millions. The robust character of his in- 
tellect is shown by the readiness with which he acquired 
and used legal knowledge, and the firm grip with which 
he kept it at his command. He was the most ready and 
rapid, and also the most accurate man of his time in the 
conduct of the routine of business. 

The trial and preparation of cases, the inspection o( 
books of account, the arrangement of details, the techni- 
calities of pleadings, the examination of witnesses, the 
forcible presentation of the points in controversy to a jury 
or to a Court — all were handled by him as they came with 
the ease of an athlete handling a weight which seemed 
much lighter than the full capacity of his strength. It is 
not strange when you think of it all over, that conscious 



Pioneer Association. 



33 



as he was of his strength as a lawyer, he should turn away 
from the lure of politics, and adhere but more firmly to 
the law. 

So it followed, that after the old firm of Young & 
Waite had given place to the new firm of M. R, & R. 
Waite, and after he had became established with his 
brother Richard in Toledo in a large practice reaching in- 




SAMUEL M. YOUNG. 



to the highest federal courts ; when he was in the maturity 
of his powers, equipped with a perfect panoply of legal 
accomplishments, the vision of his old college friend ap- 
peared to him in the East, beckoning him to a larger 
field, asking him to put his shoulder to the wheel in a 
national cause of the greatest magnitude, before a tribunal 
which has had no parallel in dignity and importance so 



34 The Maumee Valley 



far in the history of nations. The story of the Geneva 
arbritation is the opening of a new chapter in the law of 
nations. The meeting of that tribunal marks the begin- 
ning of a new era in which steps shall be taken toward 
that good time coming when nations shall not learn war 
any more. From the time of entering on the duties of 
assistant counsel to the American commission at Geneva, 
our friend who crossed the ferry in 1835 so modestly, be- 
gan to be national property, and appear as a representa- 
tive ot the nation, honored with high official trust. The 
result of the Geneva arbritation shows how ably he ad- 
vanced the cause ot his country there. 

I make only this point in taking leave of this part ot 
the subject. The labors he performed there were not only of 
great national value, but his experience of those labors 
inspired in him the thoughts which not long after were put 
by him into words fitly spoken on a festal occasion, and 
which proved to be words of power to open to him the 
way to the permanent honors of the highest office in the 
nation. 

Returning from Geneva to his home in the Maumee 
Valley, he was elected on a non-partisan ticket, a member 
of the convention to revise the State Constitution. 

When it convened at Cincinnati, he was made its 
presiding officer. His advancement now moved rapidly 
on. You all know the rest ; but I want you to admire 
with me the grand rhythm of the movement of this man's 
life on his way to greatness ; this man who was our fam- 
iliar friend, who grew to greatness at our firesides. 

When the Army of the Tennessee held tiieir annual 
reunion at Toledo, Gen. Grant, then President, came to 
meet his old comrades. At a public reception, where all 
the notables were present, and Mr. Waite being called on, 
responded so aptly and forcibly, rising to the culmination 
of his theme in the words, "Peace hath her victories no 
less renowned than those of war," then it was that Gen. 



Pioneer Association. 35 



Grant stepped round to the speaker's seat to congratu- 
late him. Then was the impression made on Grant's 
mind, which not many months after made him turn to 
Waite as a fit man for Chief Justice. 

The appointment came while he was presiding over 
the convention at Cincinnati, and in due time he entered 
on the high office he filled so ably for fourteen years of 
untiring labor. Forty volumes of reported decisions attest 
his industry and learning. 

There remains one thing more to mention, which 
shows most strikingly the grandness of his character, and 
makes a claim to him for our reverence as a follower of 
the example of Washington. 

Unwise friends had suggested to him an effort to 
reach the presidency of the nation. His letter declining 
all movements in that direction deserves to be printed in 
letters of gold. His conduct on this occasion is as valu- 
able an example of virtue in high places as that of Wash- 
ington himself, which it resembles in principle, and to 
which it adds cogency and force. 

The emphasis by which the close of that letter is 
marked, leaves no room for ambignity or for doubt of the 
steadiness of purpose, or of the greatness of soul of the 
writer. 

But this rich, fruitful, valuable, noble, friendly life, so 
full of honor and so marked by the victories of peace, has 
run its appointed course, and he is at rest from his labors. 
It seems but yesterday the great men of the nation came 
to lay his body in the earth on the north bank of the 
river, crossed by him unheralded and alone in the spring- 
tide of his early manhood. 

As we turn back fifty-three years and consider the 
difference between the stripling, as we once knew him, 
and the Chief Justice, as the nation and the English- 
speaking races have learned to know him, we see there 
was a growth here from that germ. On the page of 



36 The Maumee Valley 



national history, in the front rank of those who have lived 
noble lives, a place is reserved from henceforth and for all 
time for the figure of him we seek this day to honor ; for 
the figure of him who was diligent in business, wise in 
counsel, persuasive in speech, a sound lawyer, of unblem- 
ished purity of life, untainted by unworthy ambition; of 
one who sustained the dignity of his high station by the 
self-poise of his own rectitude ; of one whose friendly 
manners made the robes of office fit him most becoming- 
ly ; of one who was not in the account of the money- 
changers, but rich in his stores of learning, rich in his 
labors, rich in his many friends, rich in the arts of peace, 
rich in the opportunities for greatness, and rich in the 
abilities of mind and soul, whereby he seemed to meet 
these opportunities as if he had all along been expecting 
them, and whereby he seemed to gather strength to enter 
upon each new domain of honor and trust as each was 
opened to him in the fullness of time, much in the same 
way the rightful come to his inheritance. 



38 The Maumee Valley 



Tt^E ]VE.A^XJ]V[E>E>.' 



POEM BY DR. N. B. C. LOVE. 



ALL HAIL, historic stream of fame, 
Men shall long sing of thee. 
And ne'er, forget thy old time name 
The lovely " Mee-a-mee." 

Long, long ago south thou didst flow 

Meandering to the sea. 

A force of which we little know 

Then said, " Thy source thy mouth shall be. 

Thus changed in the distant past 
Thou wearest thy bright crown — 
A queenly stream shall ever last 
Full of might and renown. 

Flowing onward swift and free 
Through tangled forests gloom. 
Many sought and found on thee 
Sweet rest midst lillies' bloom. 

When written history was unknown, 
Men near thee altars built, 
And offered there with prayers their own 
Sons to atone for guilt. 

On these there came a savage race 
From o'er the western sea 
Which lived by war and wildwood chase 
By thee, O fair Maumee. 

By many a murmuring hillside spring 
The wigwams nestling stood. 
And childhood's laugh made valleys ring, 
And men were a brotherhood. 



Pioneer Association. 39 



O Maumee, with thy creeks and rills, 
Thy fields of waving maize, 
Thy valleys, plains and wooded hills, 
What wonder men should praise ? 

What wonder that 'round evening fires 
Warriors should dance and sing, 
And feel the joy that home inspires 
Where each man is a king. 

When on thy banks from source to bay 
Thy sons in grossest darkness lay, 
There came from far beyond the sea 
LaSalle to bring the light to thee. 

He reared aloft the Holy Cross 
And said, " If thou would not be lost, 
Then worship Christ who on it died — 
God's only son the crucified." 

This feeble ray of gospel light 
Could not drive back the heathen night. 
A hundred summers came and went, 
A hundred years in darkness spent. 

Then came sweet Peace, heaven's strong ally, 
And with her those who raised the cry, 
" Repent, believe, and Christ can save ; 
Have life here, and beyond the grave." 

Some heard who ne'er before had heard. 
Some feared who ne'er before had feared, 
And all together praised the Lord, 
Abiding in his saving word. 

O calm, O gentle moving stream, 

O fair " Miami " of the Lake, 

Is human kindness all a dream ? 

Is there no balm for hearts that ache ? 



40 The Maumee Valley 



O deep and wide and rapid river, 

O rough and dark and icf stream, 

Who filled with death the redman's quiver? 

Who bade his deadly arrow gleam ? 

Thy face has known a crimson blush, 

Thy spray a bloody rain ; 

Thy waves have heaved with death's mad rush, 

Thy depths been gorged with slain. 

Say not that those who chased the game 
O'er hillsides and o'er plains 
For border wars were alone to blame, 
And white hands free from stains. 

O River, weird, historic water, 
What tales of bloody human slaughter. 
What scenes of hate, and tragic acts, 
What woeful pictures, solemn facts, 
Thou couldst before the world portray ! 
What greed and hate and wrong betray ! 

O speak not, but thy secrets keep. 
Wake not the slaughtered ones who sleep 
Along the sunny, verdant banks 
In nameless and unnumbered ranks. 

Thy freshets bathe their resting place ; 
Thy summer ebb reveals the trace 
On slippery rocks on which they fell 
Before the white man's grape and shell. 

Swift arrows fly and whirring balls. 
An Indian chieftain loudly calls 
Unto his braves: "Stand firm, ne'er yield. 
And once again we'll gain the field." 

Afire with valor, not love of fame. 
Mad Anthony in fierce charge came. 
As comes the deadly hurricane 
Or cyclone sweeping o'er the plain. 



Pioneer Association. 41 



Thy warriors strong and chieftain fleet 
Pled, panic struck, with flying feet ; 
The whoop of war died on thy breast, 
And friend and foe in thee found rest. 

From Fort Defiance to the bay. 
What hosts of dusky patriots lay ; 
How many fell, both red and white. 
For home and right, as each saw right ! 

Were not those right who brave, though red. 
Were fighting for their homes and dead? 
And were they not, too, brave and true. 
Who fought for the red, the white and blue ? 

Thousands of heroes brave and true. 
And good men as the world e'er knew. 
All scorched with fever, racked with pt^in. 
Fell nevermore to rise again. 

Around thy Ft. Meigs, strong, reliant, 
The foe grew ever more defiant ; 
Louder, faster the cannons roared. 
The red hot shells above it soared. 

Each leafy bower, dale and nook 
The forms of savage warfai^e took ; 
In soldiers' hearts distrust and fear 
Soon fled away, for help was near. 

Kentucky's sons came down thy stream. 
Naught did they but of victory dream. 
Men braver ne'er a battle fought, 
But their very zeal disaster brought : 

Dudley's men ambuished, and in defeat, 
A part sought safety in retreat; 
Alas ! for many of the best 
Found on thy shores a bloody rest. 



42 The Maumee Valley 



Not seige, nor shot, nor bursting shell, 
Nor ambuscade, nor savage yell, 
Could frighten Harrison or his men. 
More than a lion in his den. 

So war raged on thy wooded banks, 
Until with thinned and broken ranks. 
Our fathers gained the bloody day, 
And allied foes fled far away. 

All thy dear sleep in unknown graves, 
Eequiems are chanted by thy waves ; 
Masses droned by thy water falls, 
While high spring tide for justice calls. 

By artist's brush and poet's pen 

The patriotic backwoods men 

Have oft appeared, with honor crowned, 

On many a smoky battle ground. 

Orators, with each passing year. 
Have made the multitudes to hear 
The glorious valor of thy dead — 
Patriots who for their hearthstones bled. 

The historian has told us well 

What he has heard the veterans tell 

Of times when men were brave and strong. 

And pay was small and campaigns long. 

Tell me where on thy battle-fields 
There is a single stone that shields 
The glory of the men who could 
For freedom shed their own life-blood ? 

Is it Miami or Presque Isle, 
Where English red coats had to feel 
That an injured nation still was brave, 
And would her highest honor save? 



Pioneer Association. 43 



Why should thy well-loved dead, Maumee, 
Forgotten lie, by all but thee. 
When monuments in splendor stand 
To other heroes of our land ? 

Why Bunker Hill exalted high, 
And old Ft. Meigs unhonored lie? 
Why Chicamauga's parks so fine. 
And Maumee, not a cent for thine ? 

Above thy dead the wild flower bloom, 
To decorate their lowly tomb ; 
Above thy dead the thrush and wren 
Sing in each leafy dell and glen. 

Honor the names, now household words. 
Whose flint-locks and whose trusty swords 
Brought to our land a lasting rest 
From all its foes in the Northwest. 

All honor and a nation's thanks 
To the heroes resting on thy banks. 
Soon may the grandest column rise 
To commemorate their sacrifice. 

They triumphed over kingly power 
And savage hatred. To this hour 
Fair Liberty, the Goddess, stands 
And stretches out protecting hands. 

As Pharaoh and all his host 

Beneath the rising waves were lost. 

So each opposing hostile band 

Was struck down by an unseen hand. 

Soon ends this century the opening page. 
The beginning of a progressive age. 
But the footfalls of the coming crowd. 
Inspired by love, are sounding loud. 



44 



The Maumee Valley 



They come to the city's busy mart 
And bring for use hands, bead and heart; 
They work for the improvement of the race 
And give to duty a favored place. 

As morning comes, when silver light 
Swift follows on the heels of niffht; 
When crimson mists like hosts appear — 
The signal that the day is near — 
So dawns the coming century's light, 
So flees the ending century's night. 

'Tis now a better day than when 
Fierce beasts roamed over moor and fen, 
And wild men dressed in skins of beasts 
And danced at horrid midnight feasts. 

A better day than when our sire 
Wore primitive and coarse attire, 
When all that makes this life so prized. 
Cultured, refined and civilized. 

Was unknown, and men wrung by toil 
A frugal living from the soil — 
Than when the wild deer used to drink 
Upon thy limpid water's brink. 

Thy towns' and cities' stately spires 
With pious, holy thought inspire 
The old and young from hills and dells 
To heed the chiming evening bells; 

Where silence reigned at thy feet, 
O Maumee, where thy waters meet 
With broad Lake Erie's raging tide 
There stands a city in her pride. 

Her tasteful homes of comfort sweet 
Crowd many a clean and well-kept street; 
Great engines drive the wheels of trade, 
Blessing men of every grade. 



Pioneer Association. 45 



Like clustering grapes upon the vine 
Along the banks, Maumee, entwine 
The villas 'neath thy verdant trees, 
Soft fanned by every passing breeze. 

O Kiver, tell not all the past, 
For slaughter shall not always last ; 
And strife, by pen, and not by sword, 
Shall be appeased, the gracious Lord. 

The peaceful son of Mary reign 
Along thy shores on hill and plain — 
A peace from Him who gave thee birth 
Shall bless the nations of the earth. 



46 



The Maumee Valley 




Pioneer Association. 47 



READ BY 
DENISON B. SMITH, AT GRAND RAPIDS, OHIO. 



" The god of love, whose constant care 
With blessings crowns each passing year, 
Our scanty span doth still prolong 
And wakes anew our annual song." 

Ill fares it with any people, whatever their immediate prosperity, who 
are dead to their past — to the deeds done and the hardships endured by 
their forefathers. 

It is nothing that the men and women of 50 or 60 
years ago, left pleasant healthy vicinages — Eastern farms 
and villages — and exchanged them for the wild, unbroken 
West ; to begin anew all the preparations for living ; to 
subdue dense forests into smiling farms ; to compact, 
strengthen and build up straggling settlements into vil- 
lages ; to encounter inevitable sickness, the destroyer of 
all energy and industry and life itself ; to choose and 
adopt a country without schools or churches, and almost 
without a government ? Is it nothing that these men 
and women were wise in their generation ? By all the 
tests I have named, it would be natural to say, No, they 
were not wise ; but I say they were. It was the begin- 
ning of the emigrating age, and the broad and fertile 
West was before them. Newspapers were less numerous 
then, and information did not cover all the possible hard- 
ships. What have they wrought ? They laid, strong 
and deep, the foundations of schools and churches, and a 
government of liberty without license. I tell you that 
early men of any city or country leave upon it forever the 
stamp of their lives. Such unwavering love and devotion 
deserves our grateful recognition, and may we forever 
cherish and affectionately remember their services. 

I hope my interest in the past and in the character, 
experience and results of our Pioneers will not be gauged 



48 The Maumee Valley 



by the fact that heretofore I have been conspicuous in 
their annual councils, only by my absence. I have been 
a busy man, and not always in command of my time. To- 
day I recall and renew my acquaintance with the old and 
new Pioneers, with especial pleasure, and heartily adopt 
the expression of Dickens's Tiny Tim, " God bless you, 
every one." 

I am not an early settler compared with many, but if 
I had fully realized, before I commenced this paper, how 
much I had forgotten of early life on the Maumee, I 
should have been in one of the seats before me, instead 
of on the stand. A weak memory is a great loss of in- 
tellectual force. If the events of our lives could be care- 
fully preserved in the archives of a sound memory, to- 
gether with the precedents and conclusions that have been 
formed upon them, such a record would advance the in- 
tellectual standard of all men. 

The times of 54 or 55 years ago and later, have been 
ably reviewed in papers read before you. If I can make 
any additions to what has been said, it may be by repro- 
ducing some events from business and commercial lite, 
and of business and professional men, the greatest num- 
ber of whom have removed to that great city of the dead, 
which so vastly outnumbers living cities. 

I came upon the river at the flood tide of the specu- 
lative boom in 1836, arriving at Perrysburg, April 15. I 
had left Syracuse in the latter part of March and traveled 
by stage to Cleveland, where I met the steamer Commo- 
dore Perry, Captain David Wilkinson. The Perry went 
first to Detroit, and coming across from the mouth of the 
Detroit river, we had a gale of wind up the lake, which 
gave me my first lesson in sea sickness. I am inclined 
to think the Hon. Henry Wetmore was an officer on the 
Perry on that trip. We were all greatly elated with the 
Perry and boats of her class. It was a long stride in the 
march of improvement, but compared with present models 



Pioneer Association. 49 



and size of marine architecture, the Perry was a veritible 
tub. 

The impression stamped upon my mind by the beau- 
tiful scenery of the river above Toledo on that April 
morning, will never be effaced, and when the view of the 
two villages, with their lofty banks, Fort Miami and Fort 
Meigs, encircling the grand amphitheater, broke upon me 
on the Perry's deck, I could not withhold an exclamation 
of surprise and joy. True, nature had not begun her 
Easter of springing grass and flowers and foliage, but I 
thought I could imagine that, but later, when all that 
lovliness came and clothed the scene with its added 
beauty, I was thoroughly enchanted, and I believe our 
people to-day do not half appreciate the lovely scenery of 
their river, so near their homes. 

I confess it is a wide departure in all respects, but I 
want to name here another impression of that April day, 
and that was John Clark's French fishermen at the foot 
of the big island, with their great row boats and their 
French songs. It was very new to me, and many a day 
the resounding oars, in rhythm with the song, could be 
heard above the rattle of streets and " broke upon the 
midnight air." It was labor wrought into song. 

My brothers, John W. and Frank, the former an 
older and the latter a younger brother, had emigrated 
here in 1834. John W.'s home was my home for a while, 
and there also was Mr. J. Austin Scott, now of Ann 
Arbor, Mich., and Mr. McBride, who was then publishing 
the newspaper called the Miami of the Lake. Mr. Scott 
is now 86 and in good health. It is believed Mr. Mc- 
Bride is not living. 

I entered the employ for one or two months of Jos. 
J. Bingham, who had been sent here as the agent of W. 
W. Mumford, of Rochester, N. Y., and was building 
docks and warehouses at Miami. The filling of that dock, 
the lower one, was the first encroachment on the banks of 



50 The Maumee Valley 



old Fort Miami. On those docks, and above, were erect- 
ed three substantial warehouses. There were 500 feet of 
dock on that side of the river, and finally nearly all the 
commercial business at the foot of the rapids came to be 
transacted there. There is nothing leit to mark the 
scene of this business. "Decay's effacing fingers," and 
the sweeping ice in the spring-time, have left no token of 
it. 

In May, I was sent to Detroit for money to pay off 
the laborers, and which money I obtained of the old Bank 
of Michigan, which was organized out of the assets of the 
branch of the United States Bank, after General Jackson 
had put his foot upon it. On my way out to Detroit on 
the old steamer Niagara, she made a long stop at Man- 
hattan, below Toledo. I went up town, and found a good 
hotel of three stories, full of New York, Pennsylvania and 
New England gentlemen, who were looking for land in- 
vestments. The hotel was kept by Mr. Cornwell, who 
was the father of Mrs. R. N. Lawton, and her twin sister, 
Mrs. Mix. Mr. Cornwell has been dead a long time, but 
the widow is yet living, an inmate of the "Home for Old 
Ladies" in Toledo. Mrs. Lawton is living in California, 

We stopped at La Plaisance bay, Monroe. In the 
warehouse there was a small quantity of white wheat from 
the crop of an adjacent farm the previous year. It was 
the most beautiful wheat I ever saw, and I want to say in 
this connection that, in my judgment. Western wheat has 
greatly deteriorated, and will not be restored to what it 
should be until farmers interest themselves in more fre- 
quent renewals of seed from more distant vicinages. In 
nature, as well as in animals and man, if we would im- 
prove, we must do so by introducing the elements ol a 
higher and better and stronger life. In Monroe County, 
Michigan, the third crop of Minnesota No. i hard spring 
wheat is growing. The two crops already produced 
equaled 25 bushels to the acre. I have a return from one 



Pioneer Association. 51 



farm this spring of 28 bushels. It outsells winter wheat 
at the mills. It will do well in Lucas, Wood and Henry- 
counties. Seed can be procured at Toledo, if early ap- 
plication is made. Try it on a limited scale next spring. 
To return to Manhattan. That aggregation of trav- 
eling real estate seekers at the hotel is a fair illustration 
of the prevailing rage for investment in this valley at that 
date. The Maumee valley had attracted the attention of 
thinkers and investors all over the East. Let us look in- 
to the reasons for a moment. At that date the only in- 
strumentality known to commerce was water. Railroads 
were not thought of as a means of commercial transit, and 
water, it was believed, would forever be the great com- 
mercial power. On the basis of water transportation, it 
was expected that somewhere near the mouth of the 
Maumee would grow up a great city. The canals from 
Cincinnati and Lafayette had been projected and were be- 
ing constructed. The Erie canal had been completed 
years before, and these canals from the West to Lake 
Erie were to be a part of a great water highway that was 
to concentrate the trade of a large extent of productive 
country and become the pathway of an immense com- 
merce. Each investor of land on the Maumee expected 
to locate the great city on his own tract, and the result 
was a projected city every three or four miles. Manhattan 
had nearly as good a start as any of the cities. A Buffalo 
company had commenced building docks and warehouses 
there to meet the business of the canal. Long docks 
were built out to the channel of the river, and three good 
warehouses were erected upon them. Another small city 
was projected out on the bay, and called Havre. Oppo- 
site Toledo was Oregon. At Delaware Creek a feeble ef- 
fort was made. At Rock Bar, Marengo, was the preten- 
tious name of a city without foundation, and last, but by 
no means least, Maumee and Perrysburg. Great invest- 
ments were made from Manhattan to the foot of the 



52 The Maumee Valley 



rapids in land and lots. Prices advanced enormously. In 
Maumee and Perrysburg lots were sold at prices many 
times beyond the value to-day. I do not believe there is 
a foot of property in Toledo, the value of which equals 
cost, 6 per cent, interest invested, and the taxes. These 
periodical speculative fevers are most pernicious. They 
sap the foundations of industry and character. Toil and 
labor is the heritage of humanity. Labor is the only true 
basis of wealth. Look around you, and see what labor 
has wrought, applied to the twin sisters, agriculture 
and mining. A better writer than I am says, "Both ag- 
riculture and mining gather the treasures of earth. One 
by the chemistry of sun-light, the resurrection of dead 
organism and the sweat of the brow ; the other, with 
much labor brings desiccated sunbeams to the surface, to 
light and heat and move the world. One furnishes the 
food for man ; both give him materials for manufacture, 
add to his comfort and increase his wealth." 

Let me say to my agricultural friends, who through 
good judgment have purchased and retained good farms, 
do not be fascinated by inducements to sell and locate 
elsewhere — unless you have gas or oil farms. While 
purchases of prairie farms at one period presented great 
attractions, we have overdone the business, and the reflex 
current has set in, Prairie farms are liable to greater ex- 
tremes of drouth and tempest, and great wide vicinities 
are lacking in the elements that compact society and give 
intelligence and worth of character to your families. As 
I have said, labor in agriculture and mining is the great 
product of values. 

Again, while farming lands in all the counties of Ohio 
have decHned lo to 12^ per cent, an acre. Northwest- 
ern Ohio has gained in values. 

To the young settlers, I want to of^er my admonition 
and protest against the prevailing desire to leave the farm 
for city. Every consideration is against it. It is too often 



Pioneer Association. 53 



the inspiration of idleness, or impatience of tardy results. 
But what is the reverse picture ? Our cities are full of 
unemployed young men and women. Only a few find 
employment, and those are selected from the most com- 
petent, and none of those succeed but the most tireless 
devotees of toil of head and hand. The remainder are 
first loungers, and next they rot in saloons. If a young 
man develops a taste for machinery, with devout interest 
and determination, and economical and sober habits, the 
city is the place for him. To seek the attractions of a 
town or city for its fancied easy life and pleasure, is the 
road to death. 

In my judgment, there is no vicinity of its extent that 
is so promising as Northwest Ohio. Of course it will not 
do for all to become agriculturists, for while the farmer 
feeds all, if all are farmers, he only feeds himself. But in 
this vicinity the agricultural industry can never be over- 
done. We are in the midst of an area that promises to 
develop into a very great manufacturing center, and no 
more advantageous conditions can be imagined than the 
close proximity of manufacturing with agricultural inter- 
ests. Forty-five years ago, and more, Horace Greely's 
paper daily pointed the bright hopes of its author to such 
a consummation for all America. It insures a ready mar- 
ket for all the products of the farm, and then the soil of 
this vicinage, its timber, its climatic conditions, its health- 
fulness, and its mineral oil and gas furnish an incompar- 
able basis of wealth. The emigrating spirit has passed 
by all this wealth, but the time has come for a more reas- 
onable and just appreciation of the advantages. I again 
assert that Northwestern Ohio presents the fairest pros- 
pect for future wealth of any similar section of our 
country. We seldom realize our brightest and best hopes 
suddenly. But time and conditions have arrived that 
justify us in expecting a rapid growth, and fruition of long 
deferred anticipations. 



54 The Maumee Valley 



It may not be interesting to many of the older per- 
sons here if I attempt to reproduce the names of as many 
as I can recollect of the highly worthy men who were 
business and professional residents of Perrysburg 54 years 
ago. I can do no more than remember those who were 
most prominent. I was too young to know, and so I can 
not now recall all of them ; but it can not be unfair to say 
that John Hollister was the leading spirit of the village, 
not perhaps because he was the most worthy or most able 
citizen, although in both these respects he would have 
taken high rank in any community, but the accident of 
early immigration hither, close association with the ele- 
ment of prosperity, and a large ownership in the village, 
gave him most naturally the distinction I have named. 
Besides all this was his leadership in merchant marine 
construction and the commerce of the river. Before the 
days of steamboats, before the steamers "Walk in the 
Water" and "Enterprise," in the days of small schooners, 
John Hollister received the goods of the Indian traders, 
sent them forward by team to Providence^ from whence 
they were taken by keel boats or perogues to Fort Wayne, 
hauled across the nine mile portage to the head waters of 
Little river, and from thence down the Wabash. This 
system of transportation was continued until relieved by 
the canal. In the aggregate there was a good deal of 
commercial traffic at Perrysburg in 1836, including lumber, 
salt and furnishing provisions to the contractors on the 
canal. I was sent down the Ohio canal for the purchase 
of corn. I went in a canal boat from Cleveland — laid a 
week at a brake awfully sick with the ague — but I got 
there. I bought 4,000 bushels of corn which was brought 
to Perrysburg from Cleveland by the schooner Caroline. 
John Hollister was a worthy representative of his race 
everywhere. He was the moving inspiration in the build- 
ing of the steamer Com. Perry, and later in association 



Pioneer Association. 55 



with John W. Smith, of a Hst of sail vessels and steamers 
including the Gen. Wayne, in 1837. 

B. F. Hollister was also a man of mark in the new 
country of 1836, in a somewhat different line. The Hol- 
listers were large dealers in furs and peltries, and Frank 
was the manager of purchases in a wide scope of the 
West. When in the spring, the collections of the winter 
were ready for market, John negotiated the sale, some- 
times to the American Fur Company, and sometimes to 
the Hottenguers, of Germany. That firm, by name, is 
yet in existence. The fur trade at Perrysburg was some 
times — not always — a profitable one. 

Associated with John Hollister, in 1836, was John 
W. Smith. He came here from Syracuse after a short 
residence at Cleveland, He embarked a small fortune in 
the shipping and in a long dock below the old warehouse. 
The dock was built in the common expectation of, and in 
preparation for, the commerce to come by the canal. Of 
course it was a dead loss, and the shipping, with excep- 
tion of the Perry and Wayne, was likewise unprofitable. 
It was like everything else, begun too early. A first-rate 
merchant was spoiled when Mr. Smith entered the prem- 
ature field of a western operator. Subsequently, he 
opened a large stock farm at lower Miami, but that was 
premature also. No one could pay for blooded stock. 
Everything but the land was lost. I believe that is there 
yet. 

And now I come to a man who won a reputation 
around the whole chain of lakes. Capt. David Wilkinson 
was a man ot much more than average intellectual capa- 
bility. Stern of manner on deck, — rather from saltwater 
precedents than from desire, — but with the heart of a 
woman. Industrious, scrupulously honest in his business 
relations, dauntless in the performance of his duty. That 
is the epitaph I write for the brave captain. At his home 
in the winters no Perrysburg citizens were more hospit- 



56 The Maumee Valley 



able than Capt. Wilkinson and his most estimable wife. I 
remember those hearty entertainments as the pleasantest 
of my life. He acquired considerable wealth, but accord- 
ing to a universal result of those changing times, lost it, 
and died the keeper of a range-light in Maumee bay. 

John C. Spink was a bright, capable and successful 
lawyer. Undoubtedly he was the leader of the bar at the 
foot of the Rapids in 1836. I say this without desire or 
intention to belittle the standing of other worthy gentle- 
men of his profession. There may have been stronger 
men there, but the opportunity had previously come to 
Spink, and he had seized it. Besides the elements of a 
good lawyer, Spink possessed genial, magnetic traits that 
endeared him to people outside of his profession. He 
was the life and light of the social, convivial gatherings 
of that day, and while he was much older than myself, I 
have a joyful recollection of his sparkling and entertain- 
ing manner. 

But elements of popularity are sometimes possessed 
of a reactionary force. Some times conviviality leads 
away from the dry and tedious details of law business. 

While Capt. Wilkinson sailed the schooner Eagle, 
he landed at Perrysburg a cask of gin. It had no mark 
of ownership, and remained in store for years. In the 
winter of 1837 it was tapped, and a pitcher of it was to be 
found every morning on the table of the office. It be- 
came the ''smiling" place of a great number of village 
worthies. Let us go down and get a little "Old Eagle" 
was the common expression. It was the habit of the 
times. The captain and Spink always played a good 
hand at it. They were both lame, but were never so 
lame as when they went home from that office. But the 
men who met there were all excellent, capable, high- 
minded gentlemen, and there was not a headache in a 
gallon of that curious old gin. 

Willard V. Way presented a character in strong con- 



Pioneer Association. 57 



trast to that we have just given. Not less strong intel- 
lectually, and possibly not less fully equipped in the 
learning of the law.and perhaps a better scholar, his mind 
brought forth result by a slower process and a deeper 
study. He was less ready to observe and attack the 
weak points of his adversary, but in another field of prac- 
tice, a successful lawyer. Mr, Way maintained a most 
estimable character, and at the end of his career bequeath- 
ed to the village, where he had spent a long and useful 
life, a monument that will long and usefully commemorate 
his worth. His works follow him. 

There was a law firm at Perrysburg in 1836 consist- 
ing of Henry Bennett, Samuel B. B. Campbell and Henry 
Reed, Jr., under firm name of Bennett, Campbell & Co., 
but I do not remember that the firm occupied a conspicu- 
ous position in the business of the law. Hfenry Bennett 
soon went to Toledo, and later was a partner of C. W. 
Hill. Mr. Campbell soon left the river. Both are dead. 
Mr. Reed devoted himself to journalism and has occupied 
the highest positions. He is living in California. 

Another law firm I remember, that of Stowell & 
Brown, but both these gentlemen soon left us. Mr. 
Stowell afterwards became an Episcopal clergyman, and 
has died within recent years. I remember also, Mr. 
Stetson, who married the eldest daughter of Henry Reed, 
of Waterville. His widow is still living. 

In 1836 there were the Spaffords. I knew the elder 
Amos, Jarvis, James and the younger Amos. The first 
was a thriving, industrious and worthy farmer, as such I 
had but scanty opportunity of knowing him well except by 
his high reputation as an esteemed citizen. Everybody 
knew Jarvis Spafford, the keeper of the Exchange, and 
excepting a little austerity — possibly natural to some hotel 
keepers — he kept the best and leading hotel on the river. 
It was the sensation of the village to witness the arrival 
of Niel, Moore & Co's stage coaches, traversing the 



58 The Maumee Valley 



Streets on the jump, after miles and miles at a moping 
gait, and with the driver's horn ringing in the air. The 
dining room was the ball room, It had a solid puncheon 
floor, I remember that, but all the same, the heels and 
toes of men and women kept time on it to jolly music. 
Amos became a stage proprietor. James lives in South 
America, I think, and has been here within recent years. 
All the others have passed away. 

Shibnah Spink, a brother of John, was a genial 
whole-souled gentleman. Knew everybody, and was full 
of interest and sympathy for everybody's troubles. 
Wherever sickness or death invaded the village, there 
was Spink. He was a general favorite. 

John Bates was a worthy treasurer of the county. 

Besides the business and professional men, elsewhere 
named, there was Elijah Huntington, a magistrate, and 
of the highest character in all respects. All the old 
settlers remember that a Kentuckian came to Perrysburg 
and captured a fugitive slave. He was taken before 
Esquire Huntington. His attorney succeeded in finding 
a flaw in the papers, and new ones must be made out. 
The friends of the hunted fugitive had a good horse at 
the door, and as the young man swung himself over the 
saddle, he exclaimed : "Here's a dead horse or a free 
nigger." 

There was John Webb, a pattern of a public officer, 
patient, accurate, obliging and competent. M. P. Reznor, 
Judge Rice, Judge Ladd, Geo. Powers. I remember 
Ladd as a real estate man of great intelligence ; Powers 
was a successful merchant of long standing; Joseph Creps 
was the hotel keeper, but I do not remember the man ; 
Frank Parmelee was a merchant, but soon left, and was 
afterwards and ever since the proprietor of the omnibus 
line in Chicago ; Doctors E. D. Peck and Dustin. The 
latter I knew but little, but Dr. Peck's history is the 
history of the village and of this portion of Ohio from his 



Pioneer Association. 59 



advent hither to the close of his career. He was as 
kindly a natured man as I have known. From the com- 
mencement he was the physician and friend of the poor 
as of everybody else, and was ready at all times to serve 
them. Exceedingly skillful and successful as a physician, 
yet his high attainment in the line of his profession were, 
if possible, excelled by his enterprise as a citizen. I 
shall never forget a little occurrence which was of lasting 
service to me, I was a thin, stoop-shouldered chap of i8 
years. I was walking the street one day, with my hands 
in my pockets, and half doubled up like a jack-knife, as 
usual, when the doctor approached me, seized me by 
both shoulders, pulled them back, and said, "Straighten 
up — take your hands out oi your pockets and walk with 
them behind you. It you don't, you'll be a consumptive 
in five years." It was enough, and I never repeated the 
habit, but for years walked with my hands joined behind 
me. It is good advice to any man or woman, old or 
young. 

Augustus Thompson was an enterprising merchant. 
Jonathan Perrin was a builder, and a wise, prudent and 
careful one. 

Gilbert and Schuyler Beach, I only remember the 
former as a careful, upright, and successful merchant. 
He is with us yet at a ripe old age in the enjoyment of 
his faculties. There was Joseph Utley and a younger 
brother. Joseph was a good writer on the topics of the 
times. James A. Hall was another successful merchant, 
and there was Dan Wheeler, Walt Wheelock. The 
Wilsons, Eber and Sam; the Ewings, William and Henry; 
the McKnights. The Wetmores, who are yet distinguish- 
ed citizens on the river. Mr. Cook and his sons I did 
not so well know. Peter Cranker, the Doans, the Blinns 
and Jesup W. Scott and his three sons. I knew but 
little of Mr. Scott at that date, but he occupied a high 
position as a writer and a leader in enterprises for the 



60 The Maumee Valley 



development of the growth of the river towns, and main- 
tained that position at a later period at Toledo until his 
death. 

Addison Smith was the most unassuming of men, 
but he was more than ordinarily intellectual. He was a 
natural inventor. His performances in this line, at a later 
period were conspicuous. I have no doubt that he was 
the inventor of the pneumatic gun. During our last war 
he informed Secretary Stanton that he could make a gun 
that would bombard Fort Sumpter at a distance of twelve 
miles, but want of faith in the Secretary, prevented its 
adoption. I am very confident he was the inventor of 
the steam gauge. He originated the little brass fastener 
now in use for fastening together numerous papers. 

Sidney C. Sloan was county auditor. Charles Den- 
nison is yet living at Toledo. 

Mr. Shepler was the hotel keeper at the end of the 
Black Swamp road. He has a son in Toledo in a large 
prosperous business. Mr. Darling J did not much know, 
but young as I was I escorted his daughter to Toledo in 
the winter. It was a private sleigh ride, and coming 
home we lost our way in a snow storm which was not 
creditable to my knowledge of obscure roads. I think 
Miss Darling married another Mr. Smith, who was more 
satisfactory to her. Mr. Kellogg lived in a house yet 
standing a little above Spaftord's Exchange. Mr. Loomis 
Brigham was a leading builder and contractor, and after- 
wards built some brick blocks at Toledo. Deacon Hall 
kept a hotel near John Hollister's residence. Mr. Lock 
was afterwards a steamboat man on the route from Perry- 
burg to Toledo. I knew Mr. Ross very well, the father 
of the present vice-president of a National bank at Toledo. 
Joshua Campbell was afterwards sheriff of the county and 
a jolly, true-hearted citizen. Doubtless there are others 
whose names I ought to mention, but, as I said at the 
beginning of my paper, I was too young to know them all. 



Pioneer Association. 61 



and now I am too old to recall some of whom I did know. 
These notices of the lives of some of our early busi- 
ness and professional men, are much too brief. I hope 
some one more capable will more suitably extend them, 
and include the early dealers at Maumee and Toledo. 
Some of them have a place in Mr. Waggoner's book, but 
only those who could afford an engraving of their likeness. 
The history of all the early pioneers should be printed. 
Only a few remain who can recall the events of their 
lives. The years are flying, and very soon, we, the older 
members will have passed away. Let us strive and hope, 
that those who have been touched by our influence have 
been better men and women in consequence of it. 

"Yes, the new days come, and the old days go, 

And I the while rejoice: 
For now 'tis the rose, and now 'tis the snow, 

And now a sweet bird's voice ; 
And now 'tis the heart of all that is sweet. 

And then the shade of care ; 
And then 'tis a pain like the lightening fleet. 

And then God's glory there." 



62 The Maumee Valley 



]vie:]vioi^i.a.l .Ai^ooounsr^r 



BENJAMIN ATKINSON, OF PROVIDENCE, LUCAS COUNTY. 



Benjamin Atkinson was born at Lancaster, Penn., in 
1792. He came with his parents to Holmes County, 
Ohio, when a boy, and removed, with his wife and five 
children, to the Maumee Valley in 1834, settling at Gilead, 
Wood County. They endured all the hardships of a 
pioneer life. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and 
was known in his later days as ''Colonel Ben." He was 
with Gen. Harrison and helped to erect Fort Meigs, and 
was also one of the gallant and victorious defenders of 
Fort Meigs and Fort Stephenson and at the battle of the 
Thames in which he was slightly wounded. 

He was known as a brave man, a pioneer soldier, an 
early, influential and intelligent citizen of the Valley, and 
enjoyed the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens; 
was honored by them with positions of prominence and 
trust. 

He died August 2nd^ 1858, and was buried at Gilead 
with military honors. But two of his children survive 
him, William Atkinson, of White House, Lucas County, 
and Mrs. Louise Arbagan, of Napoleon, Henry County. 

A Pioneer. 



Pioneer Association. 63 



IVlE^lMOFeiAT^ 



-OF- 



HON. ABNER L. BACKUS, OF TOLEDO, OHIO. 
Prepared by the Produce Exchange. 



Mr. Backus was born at Columbus, in this State, in 
June, 1818, and had arrived at the ripe age of JJ years. 
His family were descended from the Marietta settlers of 
the State. 

He came to Maumee City in 1838 as a civil engineer, 
and occupied a prominent and responsible position in the 
construction of the Wabash and the Miami and Erie canals. 
Upon the completion of the Wabash Canal, Mr. Backus 
was the first collector of tolls at Toledo. Soon after this, 
in 1844, he commenced the mercantile business at Mau- 
mee. During his residence at Maumee he was nominated 
and elected a member ot the State Board of Public 
Works in a canvass that resulted generally in favor of 
the Whigs. Mr. Backus came to Toledo in 1863 in 
partnership with Samuel M. Young, Esq., and embarked 
with that gentleman in the grain commission and storage 
business. Later the firm ot A. L. Backus & Son was 
formed. Our friend has also been conspicuously connect- 
ed, as a citizen, with the interests of Toledo. With Mr. 
Young and the late Horace S. Walbridge, he was promi- 
nent in the conception and organization of the Columbus 
& Toledo railway, now one of the large contributors to 
our commerce. 

With an easy, tolerant and yet trenchant pen, we are 
indebted to him as a liberal and instructive contributor to 
the press upon commercial and engineering topics. 

Mr. Backus was endowed with intellectual equip- 



64 The Maumee Valley 



merits beyond the average. With clear perceptions, 
sound judgment and unswerving integrity, he had a cour- 
age equal to his strong and earnest convictions in origi- 
nating and completing whatever enterprise commended 
itself to his judgment. He was a true and loyal friend to 
those with whom he came in close contact, and no man 
was more loving and more beloved and respected by his 
family. 

His health had been broken for a year, and in the 
last four months of his life he fought his way down the 
dark passage inch by inch with great suffering, but finally 
passed through the gate which must open to all of us. 

As we recall the manly and kindly traits of our 
brother, let us be thankful for his example with an abiding 
trust, that, having finished his course on earth he has 
entered into rest eternal. 



Pioneer Association. 65 



]>vlEN10I^I^VI^ .A^oooi^ji^nr 



MR. CHESTER BLINN, OF PERRYSBURG, 0. 



Chester Blinn was born at Cleveland, Ohio, May 
15th, 181 7, and was borne into the higher life with the 
birth of the Sabbath morning, April 19th, 1896, aged 78 
years, 1 1 months and three days. He was one of a 
family of seven children, the only survival, a sister resid- 
ing in Toledo being present at the funeral which was heM 
from the Universalist church, Tuesday at 2:00 p. m. 

He was married to Miss Maria Boyden, whose birth- 
place was at Canton, St. Lawrance county, N. Y., at Me- 
dina, Mich., August 25th, 1847, ^^^ with her united with 
the Universalist church under the pastorate of Rev. J. F. 
Rice. Their only son died in infancy, and of their three sur- 
viving daughters, Mrs. Ella Beatty was detained at home 
by serious illness. 

At the early age of 18 Mr. Blinn was engaged in the 
fur trade in the employ of HoUister Bros., of Perrysburg. 
In 1849 in partnership with William Letcher he commenc- 
ed business at West Unity. Mr. Blinn built the first 
frame business building in Stryker on the site of the old 
burned hotel. In 1853, the firm took a contract for grad- 
ing on the Air Line R. R. now L. S. & M. S. R'y., 
subsequent to which he became associated with C. C. 
Douglas as dealers in general merchandise, grain and 
stock, which continued without interruption during the 
greater part of his active business career. Though as a 
business man he has experienced the vicissitudes of trade, 
his personal integrity has never been sacrificed, his 
domestic life has made him beloved and cherished in his 



GG The Maumee Valley 



home, and from his helpful and sterling integrity, many 
have received help and comfort. 

His decline, covering a period of five years, has been 
lengthened by much suffering, which has been borne with 
great patience. Ministered unto with the most constant 
and loving fidelity ot the affectionate and devoted wife 
and daughters who through every ordeal have consecrat- 
ed their strength to soothe and ameliorate his suffering. 

Rev. E. D. Jacobs. 



Pioneer Association. 07 



IVrE^lMOr^I^A.!^ -A.0001LJIN:Tr 



DEACON SALMON CROSS, OF WATERVILLE, O. 



Among- the earlier pioneers of our country we think 
that the tall, mag-nificent and stately form, the upright 
manly bearing and noble Christian character of Deacon 
Salmon Cross will be well remembered. Mr. Cross was 
a grandson of David Cross, Sr., and a son of David, Jr. 
He was a native of the vicinity of Lake Champlain, near 
the famous grounds of Fort Ticondarago and Crown 
Point. He was born August 29th, 1786. His early life 
was enlisted in the development of the then quiet new 
country. 

On the 22nd day of March, 1810, he married Miss 
Moriah Wilcox at Bridgeport, Vermont. Although his 
youth seemed to be on the Green Mountain side of the 
lake, later we find him in his furniture shop in Essex 
County, just over on the west shore. 

During our border troubles in 18 14 we find Mr. 
Cross a lieutenant in the N. Y. State militia and in charg-e 
of a company striving to repell the invasion of His Ma- 
jesty's troops at Plattsburg in 18 14. The government 
record at Washington states that he was a lieutenant in 
Col. Joiner's regiment, the 9th N. Y. Militia at that time. 
While endeavoring to enjoy the peace that crowned the 
American arms, affliction fell upon his family, and on the 
iTth of March, 181 7, his faithful wife Moriah was taken 
away by disease, and he was left with four small children, 



68 The Maumee Valley 



David, Salmon, Lucina and Wilson, the younger being 
only 2 2 days old, David and Wilson followed their 
mother in childhood, but Salmon and Lucina lived to 
buffet with life many years. 

Leaving his children with his relatives he came to 
Ohio, where better opportunities seemed to present them- 
selves. On the 28th of April, 1819, by the administration 
of Esq. Seneca Allen he was married to Mrs. Betsey 
Sawyer, who was a daughter of James C. and Jane 
Adams. Mr. Cross devoted himself then to bringing his 
children to Ohio, and they joined his family at Waterville. 
He applied his hands diligently to the manufacture of 
furniture, and many of the families of the community were 
the constant users of his handiwork. Bureaus, tables, 
dressers, desks, etc., can yet be found among the early 
families of the Maumee Valley that were made entirely 
by hand at Deacon Cross' cabinet shop near Waterville. 
While Mr. Cross was so well liked for his good samples 
of skill and industry, he was much loved for his noble 
Christian character. While his hands were toiling in the 
construction of so many useful articles, his mind was 
laboring for a higher and a better condition for his fellow 
man. And at the time of his death, which took place at 
his home near Waterville, March 2nd, 1831, a universal 
feeling of deep grief was felt throughout the vicinity. 
Even those who did not share in his labor and Christian 
hope said that "we cannot afford to lose such a good 
man." 

He was a Deacon in the Presbyterian church, and his 
walk in life seemed in beautiful harmony with his profes- 
sion. He died at the age of forty-five in the midst of a 
career of great usefulness. As the fruit of his second 
marriage he was blessed with two children: James, who 
erew to manhood at Waterville and went South and died 
during the sickly season. And also a daughter, Jane 
Rebecca, now Mrs. Wm. Van Fleet of Waterville. His 



Pioneer Association. 69 



son Salmon lived near Waterville and later in Henry 
County, where he died January 14, 1848, leaving a widow 
with two sons and a daughter. 

His daughter Lucina became the wife of John L, 
Pray in 1832, and later she married Whitcomb Haskins. 
She died April 14, 1892. 



70 The Maumee Valley 



]VIE:]V[Or^I.A.T_ 



MR. JOEL FOOTE, OF TONTOCANY, 0. 



One of the most faithful, earnest and devoted friends 
of the Maumee Valley Pioneer Association is not with us 
to-day. He is now with the silent majority. His absence 
is the more keenly felt and causes a greater sadness 
because, hitherto he was always in attendance at every 
regular and every special meeting of this, as well as the 
Maumee Valley Monumental Association. He was one 
of the original members of both societies, an officer in 
each, and cheerfully and promptly performed the duties 
thereof. He took a laudable interest in the growth, pros- 
perity and continuation of both societies, and rendered 
material aid in that behalf. He was a member of the 
Memorial Committee at the time of his death. 

Joel Foote came to this Valley with his parents when 
a little over thirteen years old, and resided herein near or 
quite sixty-seven years and is prominently identified with 
its history. He was a pioneer of the pioneers, and one 
of our most honored and beloved brothers, always greet- 
ing us cordially, and ever ready and willing to aid us in 
our good work. He was with us at our last annual meet- 
ing, showing somewhat the infirmities of age, otherwise 
apparently in good health. We shall see him no more, 
but he will be long remembered. 

Joel Foote was not permitted to start upon his long 
and silent journey in the Maumee Valley in which he had 



Pioneer Association. 71 



so long lived and which he so much loved, but while away 
from home on a visit to a son in the State of Indiana, he 
was suddenly called by that dread summons which none 
can resist or evade, to pass through that other valley — 
the untried valley across the dark river into the great 
Beyond from which there is no return and upon which we 
sometimes look with a dread uncertainty. 

Joel Foote lived to be nearly eighty-one years of age. 
He was born in Salem in the State of Massachusetts, on 
the twenty-sixth day of July, 1815. When a small boy 
his parents moved to Oneida County in the State of New 
York, residing there but a short time when they went to 
Genesee County in the same State, and in 1824, they 
moved to Lockport, New York. Not satisfied with that 
location, Joel's father came West to look for a place more 
to his liking, and found one on the Maumee River in 
Wood County, and in April, 1829, started with his family 
for his new home, then a dense forest in which wild and 
dangerous animals roamed at large unmolested and which 
was inhabited mostly by the savage red man. Of course 
he like all new comers into a new country, endured the 
hardships of pioneer life, not the least of which was 
malarial fevers and the dreadful and provoking periodical 
shaking ague with which nearly all suffered, and still some 
now living- have a vivid recollection thereof. In those 
days calomel and quinine were the only remedies then 
known to check the daily calls of such and kindred com- 
plaints. But many a poor pioneer had not got the means 
to procure the proper specific and had to " shake it out." 

Joel Foote was twice married, and three of his first 
wife's children are living, They are Mrs. F. A. Baldwin, 
wife of the Hon. F. A. Baldwin of Bowling Green, one of 
the leading attorneys of Wood County, Albert D. Foote 
of Tontogany, and Mrs. Geo. E. Bliss of Kendallville, Ind., 
and also three of his second wife's. They are Fred., 
Frank and Joel W. I read a long obituary notice of the 



72 The Maumee Valley 



decedent, published in the Wood County Democrat, and 
to which I am indebted for its aid in prepairing this brief 
sketch. In the death of Joel Foote, Wood County has 
lost one of its oldest and best citizens, and this Association 
one of its most honored and valued members. 

J. H. Tyler, 

OF MEMORIAL COMMITTEE. 



Pioneer Association. 73 



IVIBIVLOF^I^A.!^ 



-OF- 



REV. ELNATHAN CARRINGTON GAVITT, D. D. 

OF TOLEDO, OHIO, 
BY N. B. C. LOVE, D. D. 



Very few of those born during the first decade of the 
century are living. They have nearly all passed with the 
century into the historic past. Dr. Gavitt was one of the 
number passing his nintieth birthday to pass over to the 
silent majority. 

It is not our purpose to speak of this venerable pio- 
neer as a minister and member of a denomination of 
Christians alone, but of him as a citizen of the great and 
historic Maumee Valley. Most of his active life was spent 
in it. His name in the older homes was a familiar one. 
For forty years a member of Central Ohio Conference, 
and then tor many years in the same territory a member 
of the Michigan Conference, which in pioneer days had 
three presiding Elders' Districts in this part of Ohio, His 
continuance in this area was more on account of confer- 
ence lines changing than his moving from one part of the 
State to another. 

The Michigan Conference Districts in Ohio territory 
were the Norwalk, Tiffin and Maumee. 

1828 he supplied Oakland circuit, Detroit district. 

1829 he supplied Holmes circuit. 

1830, received into the Ohio Conference. 
1832, ordained Deacon by Bishop Emery at Dayton, 
Ohio. 



74 The Maumee Valley 



1834, ordained Elder by Bishop Soule at Cincinnati, 
Ohio. 

He took a location in 1836 and went West, with the 
sanction of Bishop Soule and labored among the Indians 
and whites near Rock Island on the Mississippi and 
Davenport, Iowa. He came back in a year and entered 
upon his life work with great zeal, that of preaching the 
gospel. 

To follow him through life as a missionary, pastor, 
presiding elder and agent of educational, reformatory and 
benevolent organizations, would, if we only narrated a few 
things connected with each department of his work, fill a 
large volume. He was in the pastorate twenty-four years ; 
thirteen years presiding elder, six years college agent, six 
years chaplain of the North-western asylum, one year 
supernumerary, two years located and nine years super- 
annuated. When he was twenty-three years old he was 
a missionary at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, among the Wyan- 
dots, where he labored one year successfully. He was 
honored in i860 with election to the General Conference, 
and a few years since received the degree of Doctor of 
Divinity. 

In 1884 he published personal reminiscences, under 
the title of " Crumbs from my Saddle-bags, a Pioneer 
Life." The work is lull of incidents and pleasing narra- 
tions. He that writes the events of a long public life 
faithfully, is worthy of all praise. The coming generations 
will be more interested in the heroic days of our Valley 
than we are who in our childhood knew something of 
them, but only as children could know. He was born in 
Granville, Ohio, December 16, 1808, and was the young- 
est son of twelve children. He was the only one born in 
Ohio. His parents came from Massachusetts with the 
Licking Company in 1805. 

His father and mother were Congregationalists. His 
father's house, a stopping place for such pioneer preachers' 



Pioneer Association. 75 



as J. B. Finley, Bishops Asbury and McKendre. Dr. 
Gavitt was first a licentiate in the Congregational church, 
but afterwards joined the Methodist. 

He was married to Miss Sophia I. Halsey, of North 
Amherst, Lorain County, Ohio, June 20, 1833. There 
were born to them seven children, three of whom are dead. 
The living are Mrs, Lucy G. Shaffer, William H., at- 
torney, Rev. Halsey G. and George S. Mrs. Gavitt died 
in Delaware, Ohio, May 9, 1869. Dr. Gavitt was after- 
wards married to Miss E. M. Roys, M. D., a graduate of 
the Female Medical College, Philadelphia, and a suc- 
cessful practitioner in Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Gavitt died of 
old age, March 15, 1896, at Toledo, Ohio, and is buried 
in Delaware, Ohio. 

Dr. Gavitt was small of stature but of manly appear- 
ance. In his early days was active in movement and had 
a fine form and a pleasing countenance. His features 
were well formed and his dark eyes always were lighted 
up with good cheer. He was e?:cellent company, a 
superior conversationalist and charming story teller. None 
could be sad when in his company in some primitive home 
or in the pioneer social circle. The writer at the com- 
mencement of his ministry was often in his company, and 
remembers many pleasing pioneer stories told by him. 

He was an entertaining preacher; while not scholarly 
he was correct in language and consecutive in thought, 
and there were times when all hearts would be moved 
with emotion and all eyes suffused tears. In revival and 
evangelistic work he excelled. Many extensive revivals 
occurred on his circuits. We are told this by his early 
co-laborers and by his autobiography. 

He lived a good life, was a man of strict integrity, 
and was an old time gentleman, always dressing well and 
appearing to good advantage. 

Promptness, neatness and industry were among his 
leading characteristics. Loyal to his church, true to his 



76 The Maumee Valley 



friends and forgiveness to the erring. When the century 
ends all of the coadjutors of Dr. Gavitt, men and women 
born during its first decade shall, in all probability, be no 
more, but they shall with others already gone over, speak 
to us words of hope and encouragement from the other 
shore. The voices of the past ever keep on echoing along 
the valley of time. 



Pioneer Association. 77 



IS^EIVLOI^I.A.L 



-OF- 



HON. LEWIS S. CORDON. 
Reproduced from the Argus of Nov. 15, 1894. 



This whole community was inexpressibly shocked 
and grieved to learn on Tuesday morning of the sudden 
death of Hon, Lewis S. Gordon, which occured on Mon- 
day night, Nov, i2th, 1894, at about 10 o'clock; but was 
known to only a few until the next morning. 

Mr. Gordon had been down to his office during the 
evening, and had been in unusual good spirits, and ap- 
parently in the best of health. He had returned home 
after chatting awhile, had prepared for his usual bath 
before going to bed. He had started to the bath room, 
when Mrs. Gordon, who had but a moment before retired 
to her room, heard him fall. She at once rushed to his 
assistance and found him lying on the floor, apparently 
conscious but unable to speak. She sprinkled some 
water in his face, placed a pillow under his head, and 
rushing to the door gave the alarm. When she got back 
to him lite had fled. People passing heard her agonized 
cries, and came to her assistance, and messengers were 
at once dispatched for a physician, and for Mr. Harry 
Gordon, Mrs, H, B, Furguson, and other relatives. But 
as above stated death had claimed him before any of them 
reached his side. 

When the sad news became generally known Tues- 
day morning there was universal and sincere mourning 
throughout the whole community, each individual seeming 
to feel his death as a personal loss ; and the people stood 



78 The Maumee Valley 



about in saddened groups discussing the event softly as 
though death had entered their own households. Women 
wept and strong men bowed their heads in sorrow, for 
all realized that they had lost a friend who was ever will- 
ing to listen to their sorrows and troubles, and to aid with 
wise counsel and ready hand. Truly, we are a community 
stricken with sorrow, for the world can mourn a good 
man gone. 

And the grief at the death of Mr. Gordon is not only 
local. He was known throughout the county, the district 
and the State, and beloved and esteemed by all, and his 
demise is everywhere deplored. 

In this immediate community his death leaves a void 
that will be hard to fill. He was ever foremost in all good 
works, ever ready to lend and aid in every public improve- 
ment for the betterment of the people, and no public or 
private charity ever lacked wise counsel or help from his 
ready heart and open hand. The writer and many other 
struggling young business men of the town mourn him 
as a benefactor gfone, a true friend lost. 

Mr. Gordon was 59 years, 7 months and 5 days old, 
and of robust physique, and although his health for years 
had not been of the bast, he apparently had, in the 
course of nature, many years of usefulness yet before him 
when the sudden summons came. 

His death was from heart disease. 

The funeral will be held from the family residence 
to-day, Thursday, November i5th_, at 1:30 p. m. and the 
remains laid to rest in the iamily burial plat in beautiful 
Riverside cemetery, beside his father and mother. Rev. 
J. W. McClusky, of Delta, former Presbyterian minister 
of the church here, of which organization Mr. Gordon was 
a leading and consistent member, will officiate. 

He leaves a wife and several brothers and sisters to 
mourn his loss, and in their sad hour of affliction they 
have the sincere sympathy of the entire people. 



Pioneer Association. 79 



The following sketch of his life we find in the Pauld- 
ing County Atlas, published in 1892: 

"Lewis S. Gordon, of the firm of Gordon Bros. & Co., 
and also a member of the Antwerp Hub & Spoke Co., is 
one of the popular and enterprising citizens of Carryall 
township. He was born in Orange County, New York, 
April 7, 1835, the second son of Thomas and Sarah J. 
Gordon, both natives of New York, and of ScotchTrish 
parentage, members of the family being prominent in 
Colonial times. 

L, S. Gordon, the immediate subject of this sketch, 
was educated in the common schools and at the Never- 
sink seminary oi New York. He began his business 
career as a clerk in a hardware store, and here he remain- 
ed for two years. In 1855 he came West, and for one 
year acted as clerk in the county offices of Paulding. In 
the fall oi 1856 he commenced teaching a common school, 
and he taught successfully for three years, and was then 
nominated on the Republican ticket for County Recorder. 
He was elected and took charge of the office January i, 
i860, being re-elected in 1862, In October, 1865, Mr. 
Gordon was elected to the office of county treasurer, and 
re-elected in 1867, resigning the position in 1869 to make 
the race for county auditor. He was defeated by 13 
votes. On April 8th, 1870, he was commissioned probate 
judge to fill a vacancy of seven months. Subsequently, 
in February, 1871, Mr. Gordon moved to Antwerp to 
take charge of a hardware store, which he had previously 
started in connection with his brother, Harry H. Gordon. 
Since then these gentlemen have been successfully engag- 
ed in business lor a period of over 21 years. In July, 
1859, Mr. Gordon having read law for two years under 
tiie supervision of Col. John S. Snook, was admitted to 
the bar by Judge Sutliff. He practiced but little while 
engaged in the official duties of Paulding county, and 
since locating in Antwerp has acted as counselor on 



80 The Maumee Valley 



various occasions, though not being actively engaged in 
the work of his profession. He has held a notary's com- 
mission since the year 1861. Mr. Gordon takes a lively 
interest in all that tends toward the improvement of his 
town and county, and is liberal with his means. He is an 
ardent advocate of the public school system whereby the 
masses may be educated. Mr. Gordon was nominated 
by the Republican party as the representative of Defiance 
and Paulding counties, in 1881, and overcame a Demo- 
cratic majority of 1,350 by 349. He did active service for 
his constituents and acquitted himself with honor. His 
first vote for president was cast for John C. Fremont in 
1856, and since that date he has always supported the 
Republican ticket. 

Mr. Gordon was married February 9th, i860, to 
Miss Margaret Voreis, a native of Crawford county, born 
in July, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon are widely and 
favorably known, and are now enjoying the fruits of a 
well spent life. 

In 1888 Mr. Gordon was elected as presidential 
elector from the 6th Congressional district, and was for- 
merly instrumental in forming the new district, being ap- 
pointed on the re-districting committee in the 65th 
general assembly of Ohio. He has long been one of the 
influential and prominent citizens of Paulding county, and 
enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. 



TRIBUTE BY AN OLD FRIEND. 

Antwerp, Nov. 13, 1894. 

Hon. L. S. Gordon died last night very suddenly 
with heart trouble, and to-day the people of Paulding 
county are bereft of one of its most respected citizens, 
who from an early day has held a prominent place in the 
county; and as a lawyer and business man has since held 



Pioneer Association. 81 



the respect and esteem of every one. He and Lt. Col. 
John S. Snook entered into partnership in the practice of 
law just before the war broke out. Mr. Snook was killed 
in the army. Mr. Gordon has since been a friend and 
adviser to me, and to-day I mourn his death as a friend 
and brother. Mrs. A. D. Snook. 



82 The Maumee Valley 



JVlElS/LOFei.A^T^ 



MRS. LUCINA HASKINS, OF WATERVILLE, 0. 



Among the late removals of our pioneer friends is 
Mrs. Lucina Haskins, formerly of Waterville. She died 
at the residence of her daughter at 630 Walnut street, 
Toledo, April 14th, last, and was buried at the family 
burial lot at the cemetery at Waterville. 

Mrs. Haskins was a native of Essex county, N. Y. 
Was born July 26th, 1814. Her mother died when Lucina 
was three years old. She remained in the family of 
friends in New York and Vermont until she was ten years 
of age. In 1826 she was moved to Detroit, Michigan, 
and in the month of February, 1827, she was brought by 
her father to Ohio, where she has lived since. 

Her father was Salmon Cross, known among his 
neighbors as Deacon Cross — a Christian gentleman ol 
puritan habits. He died near Waterville. Lucina re- 
mained in the family with her step-mother, Mrs. Cross, 
afterwards Mrs. Hutchinson, until her marriage with John 
L. Pray, first son of John Pray, Esq., one of the first set- 
tlers of the valley. Her union with Mr. Pray was truly 
at the pioneer time of the settlement ot the Maumee 
Valley, when roads were made from Indian trails and 
farms from unbroken forests. 

In the bloom of his manhood and in the prime of his 
usefulness, her husband was stricken with disease, and 
she was left to continue the severe undertakings of a 
pioneer life with her little family alone. Passing through 
ordeals not wholly uncommon to the people of the day. 



Pioneer Association. 83 



she reared her two children, now Mrs. Mary C, Wagner, 
of Toledo, and J. L. Pray, of White House. In her early 
life she manifested a deep interest in a Christian faith 
and practice which remained with her through life. She 
was a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal church 
for nearly sixty years. The church and benevolent work 
was her chief desire. She was the treasurer of the Lucas 
County W. C. T. U. for two years, and an active member 
from its earliest days in the county. 

Her marriage with Whitcomb Haskins took place at 
Maumee, March 14th, 1872. After an enjoyable term of 
over eleven years she again became a widow by the 
death of Mr. Haskins. They were then living at Water- 
ville. 

Her later years were spent in the families of her 
children, where her usefulness and good Christian char- 
acter were daily exemplified. She greatly enjoyed her 
pioneer associations. Her reminiscences of early pioneer 
life were many and interesting ; her memory was replete 
with cherished events which made it indeed a garland of 
sweet roses. Her presence was a cheerful center from 
which radiated a joyous atmosphere until the very time 
of her decease, which was almost a translation. And so, 
one by one, the tenements of clay are shuffled off and the 
soul wings its way to immortal joys and eternal rest. 

Liberty Center, O., August 18, 1892. 



84 The Maumee Valley 



IVLBlVtOI^I^^L. .A.0001LJ:NTr 



^OF- 



CEORCE W. HOOBLER, HULL PRAIRIE, WOOD COUNTY, O. 
BY MRS. LOUISE ATKINSON. 



George W. Hoobler was born at Harrisburg, Penn., 
June 15th, 1798, and came with his parents to Dayton, 
Montgomery County, Ohio, in 18 16. He came to Stark 
County, O., in 1820 and married Miss Mary Bash, April 
5th, 1824, and removed with his wife the same month to 
Perrysburg, travehng in a one-horse wagon, He purchased 
a lot in Perrysburg and erected a frame house and a cooper 
shop, and commenced making barrels for the fishermen, 
working at his trade during the winter, and farming in the 
summer. At one time he had a large crop of corn he raised 
and cribbed on what was known as the Big Island, waiting 
for navigation to open in the spring, but when the ice broke 
up in the spring, the water and ice from up river came 
with such a force that it swept away the entire crop, and 
the huts of the fishermen along the river were also swept 
away, causing great destruction and loss to them, and 
many had to flee for their lives. He was among the first 
settlers of Perrysburg, and helped to raise some of the 
first houses there, and when the first houses were built in 
Bowling Green and Portage, Wood County, he was one 
of the men who helped to raise them. In 1834 he remov- 
ed with his wife and three children to Middleton Town- 
ship, Wood County, and settled on a heavily timbered 
farm he had purchased, getting it of a man by the name 
of Joseph Wade, who had got it of the government. A 
small log cabin and land enough cleared for a small gar- 



Pioneer Association. 85 



den and a potato patch, were all the improvements that 
had been made on it. He worked at his trade (coopering) 
in the winter and the remaining part of the year worked 
on the farm, clearing off the timber and putting out fruit 
trees. Apples were long coming, but they soon had 
peaches and small fruit. Previous to that the fruit con- 
sisted of wild strawberries, gooseberries, blackberries, 
wild plums and crab apples. He purchased some cows, 
a yoke of oxen, one horse and some sheep, the latter not 
proving very profitable, for the wolves would come and 
kill them. They were numerous and would come near 
the house. He made a trap a little distance from the 
house in which he caught several, that frightened others 
so they were not so bold, but previous to that they would 
come and scratch on the door at night. At one time the 
writer remembers that he shot two near the house one 
morning, killing one and wounding the other ; they were 
devouring the sheep they had killed the previous night. 

During the summer the stock would get their living 
in the woods. The hay for winter was made of wild grass 
that grew plentiful on Hull's Prairie. He would take his 
ox team and his dinner, and, with one of his little girls go 
to the prairie, and with a scythe mow grass all day while 
the girl would watch the oxen, and in the evening they 
would ride home on a load of hay. So time wore on and 
others came, and as soon as there were children enough 
to form a class, he was the first to agitate the cause of 
education. Being a school teacher in his younger days, he 
felt the necessity of others as well as his own having a 
school nearer their home. They had been attending 
school at the old Missionary station two miles away. 
So he, with another man, rented an old log house that 
had been abandoned by the owner, and hired a man to 
teach a three months' term in the winter, it being the 
first school taught in District No. i in Middleton town- 
ship. After that, he being one of the school directors, 



86 The Maumee Valley 



term after term during winter, were continued, until there 
came enough to support a school in summer as well as 
winter. He served as Justice of the Peace and township 
trustee for several terms, as well as minor offices. He 
remained on the farm until his death which occured April 
30th, 1850. -, A Pioneer. 






Pioneer Association. 87 



NIENIOP^I^^L 



MRS. MARY BASH HOOBLER, OF HULL PRAIRIE, 0. 
BY MRS. L. ATKINSON. 



Mrs. Mary Bash Hoobler was born at Cumberland, 
State of Maryland, August 4, 1803, and moved with her 
parents to Stark County, Ohio, in 1812. She was married 
to George W. Hoobler April 5, 1824, and removed with 
her husband to the Maumee Valley, settling in Perrys- 
burg the latter part ot April, 1824. They traveled in a 
one-horse wagon and were several days coming through 
the Black Swamp, meeting many Indians on their way, 
which was a terror to her as she had never seen any be- 
fore^ but had heard many stories of their hatred to the 
whites and their murdering so many women and children. 
But her fears wore off after meeting other white people. 
An elderly lady known as "Granny Pratt" used to visit 
her often, sometimes remaining a week at a time. She 
was acquainted with the habits of the Indians, and could 
talk their language, and she did much toward abating her 
fears of them. One evening an Indian came to their 
house so much under the influence of whiskey he could 
not walk straight. He was on the point of entering the 
door when "Granny" (for she was there) told him he 
could not come in, when he said, "Me get more Injun and 
come bye and bye and kill you," which frightened Mrs. 
Hoobler very much, but "Granny" shook her fist at him 
and told him in his language to go away. She then said, 
"don't be afraid for he istoo drunk to know where he is." 
Her husband was a cooper and worked in his shop even- 
ings. When he came in they related the circumstances to 



The Maumee Valley 



him, and they watched for the Indian but he did not return. 

At another time an Indian brought some whortle- 
berries to trade for bread and meat which she gave him, 
and he went away apparently satisfied, but returned in a 
short time and wanted the berries ; she being alone, was 
so afraid of him that she gave them all back to him. 
After that she was told that whatever she bought of the 
Indians she must put out of their sight, for they frequently 
came back, and if they saw it they would want it. 

There were but few houses in Perrysburg at that time, 
and among the inhabitants may be mentioned the names 
of Spafford, Crane, Wilkison, Pratt, McKnight and John- 
athan Perrin. She lived in the latter's house until her 
husband built one of his own. After spending ten years 
in Perrysburg she removed with her husband and three 
little daughters to Middleton Township, Wood County, 
and settled on a new and heavily timbered farm. Then 
came hardships and trials ; the farm being nearly all 
woods with a small log house with two small windows, a 
board door, a wooden latch, raised with a string, a fire- 
place, where a chimney was made of clay and sticks, 
enough land cleared for a garden and a potato patch. 
No roads, nothing but Indian trails. It was nothing 
strange to hear wolves howl near the house at night, or 
to awake in the morning and find several Indians lying 
on the floor with their feet to the fire fast asleep, who had 
come in quietly, for Indians step very lightly in their 
moccasins. They were friendly and would bring berries 
and maple sugar, and the squaws would bring some very 
pretty bead work to trade for bread and meat. 

Here all inconveniences were experienced. No 
churches, no school houses. The nearest school being 
the old Missionary station, superintended by Rev. Isaac 
Van Tassel, two miles from her home. There her two 
eldest girls went to school, (one nine and the other 
seven years old), taught by a Miss Wright. Their way 



Pioneer Association. 89 



was through a dense wood with no road, but the trees 
their father had blazed on two sides for their guide. 
Many hours were spent in anxiety for the safe return of 
the Httle girls, and often she would leave the little one to 
sleep in the cradle and go to meet them. Oftentimes in 
the evenings after the father came in and the children 
were all in bed, they sat and listened to the howling of 
the wolves, the hooting of the owls and hum of the 
mosquito, with the smoke of the smudge in front of the 
door (for screens were not known then) and talked of 
their future prospects. 

She was well fitted by nature for pioneer life, always 
looking on the bright side, and was often heard to say, 
"Well, if we do hear those hideous noises at night, we 
are blessed with the sweet cooing of the prairie hen and 
the whistle of ' Bob White ' in the morning." In the 
winter Hull's Prairie, (only three fourths of a mile away), 
was a sheet of ice, and in the spring a pond of water. But 
in the autumn it repaid for all that. It was beautiful to 
look at, being completely covered with tall yellow flowers, 
that sent their fragrance in all directions. 

Here she toiled and strove with patience to assist her 
husband, doing such work as spinning flax and wool for 
their clothing, milking cows, making butter, which brought 
six cents per pound, taking store pay, calico at twenty-five 
cents per yard, and other things in proportion. One of 
the hardest trials was the sickly season which came an- 
nually, and often all the family were down at one time 
with ague and fever. And then came the greatest sorrow, 
her husband died leaving her with six children. By energy, 
perserverance and hard toil she succeeded in raising them 
to men and women. She was always kind in sickness, 
and to those less fortunate than herself, willing to bear 
as far as she could the burdens of others, benevolence 
being one of the marked features of her character. She 
experienced religion at the age of sixteen and remained 



90 The Maumee Valley 



strong in faith ; was a member of the M. E. church at the 
time of her death, which occured February 21, 1874. She 
was a resident of Wood County fifty years. Three sons 
and a daughter survive her, Geo. W. Hoobler, of Water- 
ville; W. H. Hoobler, of Weston; Hon. S. R. Hoobler, 
of Bay City, Mich., and Mrs. Louise Atkinson, of White 
House, Lucas County, Ohio. A Pioneer. 



Pioneer Association. 91 



iviBiVEor^i.^1^ 



-OF- 



HON. ALEXANDER SANKEY LATTY, 

BY JUSTIN H. TYLER. 



A well known landmark of Northwestern Ohio and 
the Maumee Valley was removed by death in May, 1895, 
and this memorial should have been prepared and read at 
our last annual meeting. No man in this part of the 
State had a wider, if as wide a circle of acquaintances and 
friends as the Hon. Alexander Sankey Latty, 

Judge Latty was born in the County Leitrim, Ireland, 
June 30th, 1 815. At the age of 17 he left his native isle, 
and settled in Canada where he remained four years, and 
when 21 years old he came to the Maumee Valley, and 
helped to survey the Miami and Erie canal, and subse- 
quently he was a boss over a large gang of men in its 
construction. In the meantime he was reading law with 
James G. Haley, in Napoleon. 

He was admitted to the bar in 1840, Chiet Justice 
Waite being a member of the committee that examined 
him. He immediately thereafter located in Paulding 
county, then an almost unbroken forest, covered with 
heavy timber. He embarked in the newspaper business 
and ranked high among the editorial fraternity. He was 
an able and vigorous writer, and I used to see as many 
extracts from his paper as any one in this part of the 
State. 

He was county auditor of Paulding county for two 
terms, and in 1856 was elected to the office of Judge ot 
the Court of Common Pleas, and soon after removed from 



92 The Maumee Valley 



Paulding county to Defiance. He was Judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas for twenty years. He was an 
able jurist, a brave, fearless, honest and upright judge, 
and his decisions were characterized as among the ablest, 
always fortified by an abundance of authorities to which 
he could refer giving volume and page without looking at 
the authority, frequently quoting all the material rulings 
in the cases cited. He had a most wonderful memory, 
which gave him superior advantages over those less gifted 
in that respect. He was emphatically a book-worm, and 
his reading was not confined to law only, but books of 
general information were also his daily companions. He 
was industrious and seemed to enjoy prepairing briefs and 
citing authorities on important law points. 

He had the largest landed interest, so far as quantity 
of acres was concerned, of any man in Northwestern Ohio. 
At one time he was reputed to have owned over 20,000 
acres of land in Paulding county alone, which for a long 
time was of no use to him, but an annoyance. After wait- 
ing and paying taxes and unjust ditch assessments for a 
long time, timber became valuable, and then a rich harvest 
was realized therefrom. He was twice married. 

When Judge Latty came to Henry county in 1837, 
he hadn't money enough to buy a cake of shaving soap 
or a place for himself and wife to lay their heads. Judge 
Craig took them in and boarded them for quite a while, 
and for which he received the life-long gratitude of Judge 
Latty, who was a big-hearted, noble man of the good old 
Irish type, and he duly and sincerely appreciated the 
favors shown him in the days of his need and never 
forgot them. 

A few years ago Judge Latty went to the State of 
Washington, and while there made a wise and judicious 
investment in real estate, the annual rents and profits of 
which, I am told, afford quite a revenue to his worthy 
widow and children. 

Judge Latty most likely was the wealthiest man in 
this part of the State, and in his death Defiance lost one 
of her most intelligent and useful citizens, and the wife 
and children a devoted husband and father. 

J. H. Tyler. 



Pioneer Association. 98 



iviENioi^i.A.1^ .A.ooox_JiN:Tr 



HON. EMERY DAVIS POTTER, OF TOLEDO, O, 
BY LAW ASSOCIATION. 



Emery Davis Potter was born in Providence county, 
R. I., on the 7th day of October, 1804, and died Febru- 
ary 1 2th 1896, in the 92nd year ot his age. He was of 
Puritan and Quaker stock, the son of Abram Potter and 
Johanna Davis. The family removed from the Providence 
plantations to Otsego county, N. Y., in 1806, 

The father's circumstances were not such as to pro- 
vide the son with more than very limited educational 
advantages in childhood. As the result of persistent 
effort, however, the latter ere long was encouraged to 
expect a collegiate course, in which he was disappointed, 
and was compelled, without such advantage, to enter 
upon preparation for the chosen profession of the law. 

This he did in the office of John A, Dix and Abner 
Cook, Jr., two able lawyers of Cooperstown, N. Y., the 
former having subsequently been governor of New York, 
United States senator from that State, and secretary of 
Treasury. 

Completing his studies, Mr. Potter was admitted to 
practice in New York, but soon decided to make his 
home in the West, he left lor Toledo where he arrived in 
the winter of 1834-5. 

He here found a field not the most inviting, in some 
respects, for an ambitious young man, but one which he 
was not long in turning to the best account. His quali- 
ties as a lawyer soon became known, while his active 
participation in public and political affairs gave him special 



94 



The Maumee Valley 



prominence and influence. In 1838 he was postmaster at 
Toledo, and in 1839 was elected by the legislature as 
president judge of the Common Pleas Court for the 13th 
Judicial district of Ohio, embracing ten counties and cov- 
ering Northwestern Ohio entire. 

Without public means of any sort for conveyance, he 
was compelled to travel from county to county wholly on 
horse-back, and largely through a dense wilderness, often 




EMERY DAVIS POTTER. 



in the absence of bridges, compelled to swim streams, 
and resort to methods of travel almost wholly unknown to 
the present generation in the same sections. 

In 1843 he was nominated by the Democrats and 
elected to Congress from the district made up largely of 
the territory embraced within the judicial circuit. In 
Congress he at once took prominent position, serving 



Pioneer Association. 95 



with John Ouincy Adams on the select committee on the 
Smithson will, whose action led to the founding of the 
Smithsonian Institute. 

In 1847 Ju^ig^ Potter was elected as representative 
in the Ohio legislature, where he acted largely as leader 
of the Democratic side of the house. In October, 1848, 
he was elected to the 31st Congress, where he took a 
specially prominent part in the long struggle for Speaker, 
receiving at different times 78 votes, within three votes of 
being elected for that office. He was made chairman of 
the committee on Postoffices and post roads, and as such 
was the author ot the bill ot 1851 providing for cheap 
postage, and the coining of a three cent coin. 

At the close of his term in Congress he resumed the 
practice of law. In 1857 he was appointed judge of the 
Federal Court of Utah, but declined the honor. In 1859 
he was appointed collector of customs for the Toledo 
district, serving until 1861. He was elected as senator 
in the Ohio legislature in 1873, serving until 1875. 

During that term he was influential in securing the 
enactment of the law providing, at the expense of the 
State, for the propogation of fishes in Ohio. To his per- 
sonal attention and good management, the successful 
introduction and establishment of that policy by the State 
are largely due. 

He was mayor of the city of Toledo for the years 
1847-8; at times a member of the common council ot the 
city of Toledo, and its city solicitor, also a member of 
the board of education. 

In stature he was 6 feet, 2 inches, and was of a large 
and powerful frame. He was of a genial and happy 
disposition, easy of approach and "with malice towards 
none and charity for all." 

His knowledge of affairs and men was most exten- 
sive. A companion of John Ouincy Adams. He also 
enjoyed the acquaintance and fellowship of Calhoun, 



96 The Maumee Valley 



Webster and Henry Clay. He sat at the bedside and 
held the hand of the great Kentuckian when his spirit 
took its flight. 

He sat in judgment on the first case our fellow 
citizen, the late Chief Justice Morrison R. Waite tried 
and argued in court. He was a friend and companion of 
Rufus P. Ranney and Allen G. Thurman. 

During the Rebellion he was a War Democrat, un- 
flinching in his patriotism and devotion to the Union 
cause. His mental faculties remained vigorous and unim- 
paired to the last hours of his life. His last public ap- 
pearance was the delivery of an address on the laying of 
the corner stone of the new court house. 

P'ull of years and with many honors, still "to add 
greater honors to his age than man could give him, he 
died fearing God." 

In Memoriam. 
1804, 1896. 

At a meeting of the Toledo Bar Association, held on 
the 24th day of February, A. D. 1896, the following reso- 
lution, commemorating the life and character of the Hon. 
Emery Davis Potter, were adopted : 

Resolved: — 

1. That the foregoing brief Memorial be presented 
to the several Courts of Record of this county, and that 
they be requested to have the same entered upon their 
records as a just tribute to the life and character of the 
deceased, and as enduring evidence of what may be 
accomplished by the young men of this favored land with- 
out the aid of wealth or prominent family influence, and 
an incentive to worthy effort, high aim and honorable 
living. 

2. That the clerks of the several courts be request- 



Pioneer Association. 9;7 



ed to forward duly certified copies to his surviving child- 
ren, Emery D. Potter, Jr., and Miss Claire Potter. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Charles Pratt, 
Louis H, Pike, 
Geo. R. Haynes, 
L. W. Morris, 
J. M. Ritchie. 

I, L. E. Clark, Clerk of the Common Pleas and 
Circuit Courts, of Lucas County, Ohio, do hereby certify 
that the foregoing is a true copy of the Resolutions and 
Memorial filed in this Court, on the death of the late 
Hon. Emery Davis Potter. 

In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name 
and affix the seal of said Court, at Toledo, Ohio, this 
24th day of February, A. D. 1896. 

[seal.] L. E. Clark, Clerk. 



98 The Maumee Valley 



WL^^WLOlE^lJ^l^ 



-OF- 



JOHN PRAY, ESQ., 
REPRODUCED FROM A PUBLISHED ACCOUNT AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH. 



When we look out upon the landscape of the Maumee 
Valley and behold its populous cities, fine villages, well 
cultivated farms, and a land bespangled throughout with 
comfortable dwellings, churches and school-houses, and 
traversed by railroads and canals, a land that has within 
the range of one lifetime, risen from crudest nature to a 
refined state of cultivation, when in the place of the wig- 
wam, the war-hoop and the screaming of wild beasts, we 
now have the advantages of moral and social enlighten- 
ment and the blessing of Christian prosperity, we realize 
a sense of gratitude and a sense of obligation to the early 
fathers who sowed the seeds of our land's prosperity ; 
and when one of them folds up his tent and goes to his 
long home, it is becoming in us to hold in high respect 
that manly fortitude, constant perseverance and sagacious 
enterprise that characterized the pioneers of the Maumee 
Valley. 

As the late John Pray, Esq., whose death took place 
on the morning of October i8, 1872, was one of the earliest 
settlers of the vicinity, it has been thought that a few 
items of his early life would be of interest. Esquire Pray 
was a descendant of Richard Pray, born in England in 
1630, who came over with his three sons and settled in 
the western part of Rhode Island. His father and grand- 
father participated in the war of the Revolution, they 
being Lieutenant and Ensign of the Third Company of 
the Rhode Island Militia. 



Pioneer Association. 99 



He was the second son of the Rev. John Pray, and 
was born October 6, 1873, on the western border of Rhode 
Island. At the age of twelve years, the family moved to 
Saratoga County, N. Y., and at twenty-one, John went 




JOHN PRAY. 



into the manufacture oi potash in company with his elder 
brother James, who now (1872) lives near Mount Morris, 
Livingstone County, N. Y. After about three years of 
success in this enterprise, the brothers dissolved, and John 



100 The Maumee Valley 



purchased a farm in Smithfield, Madison County. Here, 
in 1809, he was married to Miss Lucy Dunham, who now 
resides here, but has been an invalid for a number of 
years. During our troubles with England in 18 12- 14, 
while the frontier was being invaded by His Majesty's 
troops, we find Mr. Pray enlisted as a member of Captain 
Sickle's Company of Colonel Dodge's regiment of New 
York State Militia, and actively engaged in repelling the 
invasion at Socket's Harbor. 

He remained on the farm until the Spring of 18 17, 
when, in company with his brother James and five others, 
he set out on a prospecting tour through the West, with 
a view of making a selection and locating as a colony. In 
the early part of May, the party set out lor Buffalo by stage, 
where they embarked on board a sloop for Detroit. Here 
they provided themselves with a pack-horse and a few 
articles requisite in pioneer life, and started on their pil- 
grimage southward, passing around the end of the lake, to 
the " Miami of the Lake," thence up the valley of this 
river to Fort Defiance, and were most favorably impress- 
ed with the nature of the country. 

Finding but little or no evidence of the existence of 
the white man between Ft. Meigs and Ft. Defiance, the 
the only primitive trading posts at Perrysburg or Maumee 
City and Toledo not yet thought of, traversing through 
forests unblemished by the white man's axe, and filled 
with red-skinned aborigines and wild beasts, and hundreds 
of miles from home in a dense wilderness, the party 
seemed to cheerfully enter into pioneer life and enjoy it 
finely. 

At Defiance they changed their course, and went 
south to Dayton, where they found something of a set- 
tlement. From Dayton they went to Cleveland, where it 
was determined by the party that Mr. John Pray should 
return, and review a portion of the ground passed over, 
and select a location for the colony, and six of the party 



Pioneer Association. 101 



returned to their homes in New York. Accordingly Mr. 
Pray returned to the Maumee Valley, and after a more 
deliberate inspection of advantages here, the most im- 
portant of which in his mind, was the great water power 
on the rapids of the river, consequently the vicinity of the 
site of the present village of Waterville, was settled upon, 
and he returned to Smithfield, expecting his friends 
would all join him for the West, the following Spring. 
But the reports of the adventurers were associated with 
too much inconvenience, privation and danger, to be at all 
acceptable to the people of Madison, and in view of the 
hazardous feature of the undertaking, and probable suffer- 
ing, attending such an enterprise, six of the party were 
induced to abandon moving to the West, and the pros- 
pects of a colony were, dissolved. 

But Mr. John Fray's determinations were so firm that 
he sold his farm in Smithfield, and on the third of May, 
1818, he set out with his family consisting of his wife and 
four children, together with an adopted child, a nephew, 
at that time about ten years of age. They moved in a 
wagon to Buffalo, where in company with Capt. Charter, 
they embarked on board a schooner of fifteen tons bur- 
den. Their voyage was extremely hazardous, as the ves- 
sel at best was too frail for such a trip, but was at this 
time sadly deficient in the requisite equipage for sailing, 
and the cloth belonging to the passengers was used for 
canvass. Fortunately, however, on the 24th of June, 
after a voyage of eight days, the party safely landed near 
Ft. Meigs, on the Maumee. 

After resting one night at or near the landing, Mr. 
Pray moved his family up the river about four miles, and 
lodged in an unfinished cabin belonging to Mr. Adams. 
Mr. A. had established himself in the valley but a few 
months previous, and as all residents were anxious that 
neighbors should settle about them, every convenience 
within their reach was extended to the new comer, and 



102 The Maumee Valley 



every cabin was an inn so far as their room would admit. 

On Mr. Pray's arrival here this time he finds a tew 
families have located since his visit the previous year, but 
all about there seems to be broad miles of unbroken 
forests inhabited with savages and wild beasts. No system 
ol machinery has yet been used in the waters of the 
Maumee. The nearest flouring mill was at Monroe, 
Michigan, where the old French wind mill would grind 
for the people when the wind was fair. To this incon- 
venience was added the almost impassable country 
through which the people had to pass, and the indistinct 
lines of road between here and Monroe, 

In 1 82 1 Mr. Pray built the first grist mill in Northern 
Ohio ; this was a source of great convenience to the 
people, and men came from Defiance, a distance of forty- 
five miles, to assist in raising. This mill was built on 
Granger's Island, Shortly after its completion there was 
added to the same power a carding machine, a hemp 
machine and a distillery. In i83i he laid out the village 
of Waterville, and the following year he built the mills on 
the main land. In 1837 he built the Columbian House. 

During the progress of these enterprises much of his 
time was taken up in visiting the land office, purchasing 
and locating lands, and at various times the extent of his 
lands embraced thousands of acres, lying in what is now 
Fulton, Lucas and Wood counties. 

The associations of Mr, Pray's household were quite 
numerous, besides raising eleven children to adults his 
house was always the home of the traveling public. 

We have noticed in the Bowling Green Sentinel a 
communication upon the early record of Wood county, in 
which it appears that Mr. Pray was one of the Board of 
County Commissioners from the organization of Wood 
county in 1820, until the formation of Lucas in 1835. ^^ 
was Justice of the Peace about nine years. He establish- 



Pioneer Association. 103 



ed the Waterville post office and managed it for several 
years. 

Mr. Pray's educational advantages in early life did 
not enable him to take rank with distinguished legislators 
nor, did he aspire to eminence or distinction. In his 
active life he was charitable, lenient and sympathizing — 
jocular in conversation and honest in deal. 

As he became advanced in years, he disposed of 
much ot his landed property, and settled down in quiet 
retirement. 

In 1840, during the successful labor of Rev. Mr. 
Bothman, he abandoned his profession of Universalism 
and united with his wife and many others with the Metho- 
dist Churcd. Since that time he has been devoted in 
Christian faith, and although in his last years he was de- 
prived of his sight, and to a great extent his reason, his 
hold upon Christian hope remained with him, and his 
favorite expression was that he was "almost home." 

Although he had kept closely to his bed for several 
months, no disease seemed to be at work other than old 
age, and on the morning of the i8th, he quietly passed 
away. He survived all his children but four, and after a 
lengthy companionship, he leaves a wife that has shared 
with him all the trials and triumphs and the comforts and 
sorrows common to the earliest settlers of the Maumee 
Valley. For over sixty-three years Mr. and Mrs. Pray 
traveled life's journey together, and have resided in the 
vicinity of Waterville for over fifty-four years. They 
have reared a large family, and have lived to enjoy the 
association of their great-great-grand-children. 

October 26, 1872. — L. 



104 The Maumee Valley 



IVtENlQI^I^^I^ .A.0001LJISIT 



-OF- 



WIR. HENRY PHILIPPS, OF TOLEDO, O. 

BY CLARK WAGGONER. 



Few residents have been as prominently and honor- 
ably identified with trade in Toledo for the past fifty 
years as was Henry Philipps, who died there February 
28th, 1896. He was born in Brunswick, Germany, May 
3rd, 1828. At the age of 20 years, he left his native land 
for the country which so many of his fellow-citizens were 
then seeking, being one of a party which contributed 
largely in character and otherwise to the development 
and growth of the Western States. Toledo had then 
scarcely entered upon the course of prosperity which has 
placed it so prominently among the cities of this country. 

Mr. Philipps began his business career in Toledo as 
clerk in a general store. In 1852, at the age of 24, he 
began business on his own account by dealing in farm 
implements and seeds, to which he subsequently added 
hardware. After 20 years of special success, he disposed 
of the business. In 1880 he resumed trade in the same 
line, in which he continued until his death. So success- 
ful was his business, that the trade of The Henry Philipps 
Seed and Implement Company came to hold prominent 
commercial relations with many parts of the world inter- 
ested in horticulture, and especially Holland, Germany, 
France, Japan and China. Few establishments in the 
country have attained to equal success in that branch of 
trade. 

For many years of his later activity, Mr. Philipps 



The Maumee Valley 



105 



had associated with him in business two sons — Henry J. 
and William T. — whose aptitude soon prepared them for 
successful management of the same upon his death, it now 




HENRY PHILIPPS. 



being in their hands, fully maintained in its long-establish- 
ed prosperity. 

As a man and citizen, Mr. Philipps held positions 



106 The Maumee Valley 



specially appreciated by his fellow-citizens. A cultured 
gentleman, he commended himself to the high apprecia- 
tion of all. His active business enterprise, methodical 
ways and foresight were largely controlling, while in dif- 
ferent ways he co-operated effectively for the public wel- 
fare, being prominent in development of St. Clair street, 
including the Boody House and the Wheeler opera house, 
corner Monroe. With two others, he constructed and for 
five years operated the Adams Street Railway. In 1863 
he platted Columbia Heights, consisting of twenty-five 
acres, now one of the charming localities of the city. 
He served with special honor for two terms in the Toledo 
City Council, representing the seventh ward. On the 
death of Mr. Philipps the Toledo Produce Exchange, of 
which he was a member, bore testimony of special respect 
for his business and personal worth. 

In 1858 Mr. Philipps was married with Miss Emma 
Seeger, of Baltimore. They had thirteen children — Henry 
J., Paul A., William T., Louise E,, Caroline, Herman, 
Charles, Albert, Frederick, Ferdinand, Christian, Edward, 
Emma — of whom the nine first named, with their mother, 
are now living at Columbia Heights. 



Pioneer Association. 107 



]VIE:]V10Fei.A.L^ 



STEPHEN MERRY. 



Another pioneer of Wood County has passed away 
since our last annual meeting, leaving a vacancy in our 
ranks never to be filled, creating a sadness among his 
many friends to whom he was well known. 

Stephen Merry, late of Perrysburg, died in that city 
on the twenty-first day of February, 1896, in the eighty- 
eighth year of his age, leaving a vacant chair at home 
and a seat in church which he had regularly occupied tor 
so many long years. He is missed by many mourning 
friends as well as in the community in which he had spent 
the greater part of his life. Mr. Merry was an intelligent, 
upright, Christian gentlemen, the elements which so 
greatly contributed to his popularity which he so worthily 
deserved and so long retained. Mr. Merry was born on 
the twenty-first day of September, 1808, in Wheatland, 
Monroe County, in the State of New York, and was mar- 
ried on the 1 6th day of October, 1841, to Miss Araminta 
Earl who survives him. This worthy couple located in 
this valley in 1843, and in May, 1846, removed from the 
village ol Miami to Perrysburg, where he died, leaving his 
beloved wife, who still resides there. 

Six children were the fruits of this happy marriage, 
four of whom are living. They are Earl W. Merry, a 
prominent business man of Bowling Green, Wood County; 
Charles C, and John W., who reside in Witchita, Kan- 
sas, and Mrs. Sarah Norton, in Lansing, Michigan . 



108 The Maumee Valley 



Mr. and Mrs. Merry, ior many years were members 
of the Presbyterian church in Perrysburg, and he was an 
elder therein for thirty years, always leading a quiet Chris- 
tian life, whose daily walk and conversation were in accord 
with his religious professions, ever ready and willing to, 
and did perform acts of kindness, when and wherever 
necessity demanded. The example of this exemplary 
couple through life was a model one, and well worthy ot 
emulation. M r. Merry was appointed by the commis- 
sioners of Wood County to fill a vacancy which occurred 
in the office of County Recorder, and so well and faithfully 
did he perform its duties, that he was subsequently elect- 
ed to the same office for three successive terms, the last 
one of which expired in January, 1874. After this he was 
elected a Justice of the Peace in Perrysburg township and 
heltl that office for several terms. He was deservedly a 
popular man, and in whatever position he was placed, 
promptness, honesty of purpose and reliability character- 
ized all his actions, and when he was called by his 
righteous Master, whom he had so well served, to leave 
his pilgrimage at the end of life's journey, the relatives 
and friends of the decedent who have faith and hope 
in the Divine Assurance, may confidently trust, that when 
he landed 'tipon the other shore, his meeting with the 
Good Shepherd was greeted with the glad welcome, "well 
done good and faithful servant ; thou hast been faithful 
over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, 
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." 



J. H. Tyler, 
Member of Memorial Committee. 



Pioneer Association. 109 



]V[e:]vioi^i.a.l 



-OF- 



MRS. AMELIA C. WAITE, 

OF TOLEDO, O. 



The passing away from earth of this distinguished 
lady has touched the heats of a very wide circle of ac- 
quaintances throughout this country with a sense of 
personal loss. It has filled with sorrow a host of closer 
friends who were fortunate in knowing and appreciating 
the strenorth of the finer elements of her character, which 
bound her to them in the bonds of unfaltering faith and 
love. 

While our departed friend was equipped with intel- 
lectual gifts ot a higher order, there never was any at- 
tempt at display of superiority, but in all the leading traits 
of womanly, loving kindness to the needy and those she 
loved. Mrs. Waite was queenly. I am thinking and 
writing of her long life on this river. A beautiful girl 
came to Maumee in 1840, the bride of a young attorney- 
at-law. Both at once seemed to know, or at once find 
the way to the hearts of all they met. From the com- 
mencement of his career, he assumed and maintained a 
leading and advancing position, of which the office of the 
United States Chief Justice was the glory and crown. 

The dear lady of whom I am writing, and whom "we 
have lost a while," was the wife, the mother, and close 
cornpanion. She was full of the brightness of hope, loved 
all around her, and aided largely, even in the privations of 
early life, in making the strong foundations of the future. 



110 



The Maumee Valley 



The personal characteristics of Mrs. Waite made a deep 
impression upon all who knew her well. 

Devotion to her family and to the church were lead- 
ing and conspicuous traits in the history of her life. With 




MRS. AMELIA C. WAITE. 



settled religious convictions, she knew in whom she be- 
lieved, and her reliance upon an unchanging faith brought 
her peace at the last. But her family, close friends and 



Pioneer Association. Ill 



the church were by no means the sole objects of her de- 
votion. An open hospitaHty at home, help and loving 
sympathy to the poor, made her life a benediction. 

xA.ll these lines of her character were progressive, and 
were strengthened by the years. If our dear friend had 
not removed to a distant city of residence, if the final de- 
parture had been from the scene of her benefactions here, 
hundreds of the poor would have thronged her obsequies 
and call her blessed. But the record of her life in Wash- 
ington is brightened and sweetened with the same devo- 
tion to good deeds in the Master's name. Mrs, Amelia 
Warner W^aite was a native of Lyme, Connecticut. 

She was a daughter of Samuel Selden Warner, of 
Lyme, who was a descendant of Colonel SeWen of Revo- 
lutionary record. Mrs. Waite spent her early life in Con- 
necticut. In her native city in 1840, she was united in 
marriage to Morrison R. Waite, the late Chief Justice. 
Lyme was also the birthplace of Chief Justice Waite, who, 
after graduating from Yale, studied law in his father's 
office in that place. Believing there was a wider field for 
him in the West, Morrison R. Waite, in October, 1838, 
left for the Maumee Valley and located at Maumee City. 
Here he continued reading law, and in 1839 was admitted 
to the bar. Forming a partnership with Samuel M. 
Young, under the firm name of Young & Waite, in 1840, 
he returned East to claim his bride. September 21, 1840, 
was the date of their marriage. 

Mr. and Mrs. Waite resided in Maumee City from 
1840 until 1850. when they moved to Toledo. They re- 
sided in Toledo until 1874, when they moved to Washing- 
ton 

But I must close. It is rare that the close of a life 
so distinguished has sorrowed so many hearts, but our 
consolation is that "Blessed are they that die in the Lord, 
for they rest from their labors," 



Addresses, 



Memorials 



And Sketches 



PUBLISHED 
BY. 




The 



Maumee Valley Pioneer 
Association. 

1898. 



Vhooman, Anderson & Bateman, Printers, Toledo. 



THE OHIO SAVINGS BANK 

Corner Summit and Madison Sfreeis, 
TOLEDO, OHIO, 

Most respectfully solicits the business of every 

Pioneer in Lucas County and Northwestern 

Ohio, together ivith Family and 

Friends. 

We Want Your..amB^^^»^ 
Commercial Business. 



iel-i — ;J.'i ielii ;ii!5i 



4 



Per Cent. 
. . . Interest 



Paid Upon Savings Deposits* 

Deposits from 25c^ to S3,000 

Recelvedm 

OPEN AN ACCOUNT. TRY IT. 
SEE IT GROW. 

Come and See Us. If we don't know you, we 

want to. 



DAVID ROBISO^f, Jr., President. 

DFjyjVIS COGHLIM, ] 

JOS. L. WOLCOTT, \ Yice-P residents. 

GEO. F. POMFROY, J 

JAS. J. BOBISOM, Cashier. 



ADDRESSES, MEMORIALS 
AND SKETCHES 



PUBLISHED BY 



The Maumee Valley 




Pioneer Association, 

TO BE DELIVERED AT THE 

I^BILJ IN^IOIN^= 



At the Old Court House, Maumee 

September 10th, 1898. 



Toledo, Ohio: 

Vrooman, Anderson & Bateman, Printers, 

1898. 



Gift 

23 1> '05 



PREFACE. 

The Memorials herein presented have been 
wholly contributed by the friends or relatives of 
those memoraHzed. '1 here are many worthy 
and well known pioneers, a record of whose lives 
would be exceedingly interesting and valuable, 
and the friends of such should see to it that the 
Memorial Committee are furnished with a concise 
statement of their life work in the Maumee 
Valley on or before May ist of each year. Half 
toned cuts of such add much to the interest of 
the memorials griven. These can be secured at 
very slight expense, and it is the only expense 
that the friends of the deceased pioneers incur 
in having memorials published in the Annual 
Pamphlet. 

It should be remembered that the annual 
expenses of the Association cannot be met by 
the one dollar paid on joining the same. If the 
members will purchase two hundred of these 
pamphlets at 50 cents each, the current expenses 
can be met. If more are purchased it will en- 
able the committee to procure and publish in- 
teresting views of valley scenery that all would 
very much like to possess. Each member should 
help to meet the expense account to the extent 
of their ability. 



:Mir^x_iTrE>s. 



The 33rd Annual Reunion of the Maumee Valley 
Pioneer Association was held on the grounds of the Lucas 
County Court House at Maumee, September loth, 1897. 

At 10 130 A. M., owing to the absence of the Presi- 
dent, Mr. Paris H. Pray, ol Whitehouse, the meeting was 
called to order by the Vice-President, Justin H. Tyler, of 
Napoleon, O. 

The local singers being absent this ceremony was 
omitted, and Rev. N. B. C. Love invoked the divine 
blessing. The minutes of the last meeting were read and 
approved. 

Memorials of deceased members and early settlers 
were then presented and read by the Memorial Commit- 
tee, D. B. Smith, Chairman. 
The memorials were of 

Edward Panorman Basset, of Toledo. 

Mrs. Pamela Berdan, of Toledo. 
Deacon Mavor Brigham, of Toledo. 
Mrs. Christian Darst Dix, of Maumee. 
Hon. Alfred P. Edgerton, of Hicksville. 
Col. J'ohn A. Faskins, of Toledo. 
Capt. Calvin Herrick, of Toledo. 
Mr. Reuben B. Mitchell, of Maumee, 
Rev. Mark Richardson, of Maumee. 
Hon. John R. Osborn, of Toledo. 
Mr. Joseph Ralston, of Defiance. 
Mr. Dudley G. Saltonstall, of Toledo. 
Mr. Alfred Thurston, of Bowling Green. 
Mr. L uther Whitmore, of East Toledo. 
Mr. Samuel M. Young, of I oltdo. 
Mrs. Angeline N. Young, of Toledo. 
The noon hour having arrived the meeting was ad- 
journed for one hour for a basket dinner — parties provid- 
ing themselves and grouping in social festal parties. 

At I P. M., business was resumed — a nominating 
committee presented the names for officials for the en- 
suing year, 

FOR PRESIDENT, 

by virtue of seniority, Paris H. Pray, of Whitehouse, O. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS. 

From Fulton County, Wm. Ramsey, oi Delta. 



6 The Maumee Valley 



From Hancock County, John Blackford, of Findlay. 

From Henry County, Allen Scribner, of Napoleon. 

From Lucas County, Hon. C. Pratt, of Toledo. 

From Wood County, D. K. Hollenbeck, of Perrysburg. 

FOR SECRETARY, 

J. L. Pray, of Whitehouse, Ohio. 

FOR TREASURER, 

J. E. Hall, of Waterville, 

FOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 

- From Defiance County, John Greenler, of Defiance. 

From Fulton County, Wm. Ramsey, of Delta. 

From Henry County, Allen Scribner, of Napoleon. 

From Lucas County, Wm. Corlett, of Toledo. 

From Wood County, L N. VatiTassel, Bowling Green. 

FOR MEMORIAL COMMITTEE, 

From Defiance County, J. P. Buffington, of Defiance. 

From Fulton County, Rev. N. B. C. Love, of Swanton. 

From Henry County, Hon. J. H. Tyler, of Napoleon.. 

From Lucas County, Denison B. Smith, of Toledo. 

From Wood County, Frank Powell, of Perrysburg. 

FOR HISTORY AND PRINTING, 

From Henry County, C. C. Young, of Liberty Center. 

From Lucas County, J. K. Hamilton, of Toledo. 
From Wood County, Rev. G. A. Adams, of Perrysburg. 

After the election of officers, Hon. Charles Pratt 
was introduced to the Pioneer Association, to whom he 
delivered a most excellent address. 

Mr. Tyler then called Rev. N. B. C. Love to the 
chair, 

Mr. Hollenbeck, of Perrysburg, then made an ex- 
planatory speech concerning the manner of producing the 
memorials for the ])amphlet, urging everyone to have an 
interest in the memorials of their friends. 

Hon. James H. Southard was then introduced by the 
President, and made a short and interesting address, re- 
ferring chiefly to his work in Congress in the interest of 
the monuments. 

The audience then sang " America," led by two 
young ladies of Maumee. 

Hon. Thomas Harbaugh, of Kalida, Ohio, was then 



Pioneer As-^ociation 



called out, and made a patriotic and appropriate address, 
after which the assembly was addressed by Rev. Shafer, 
ol Maumoe ; also by Mr. Y. Rakestraw, of VVhitehouse. 

Mr. J. M. Wolcott, the Mayor of Maumee, presented 
a cordial invitation from the citizens of Maumee, request- 
ing the Association to hold the Reunion of 1898 on the 
same ground. Invitation was accepted for Saturday, 
September loth, '98. Alter some further social inter- 
course, the assembly dispersed leeling that they had en- 
joyed a very profitable Reunion. 

The receipts of the day were : 
For 13 new memberships - - - - $13 00 

For 1 10 pamphlets of 1897 " " " - 55 00 

For 7 '"' " 1806 - - - - I 75 



Total - - - - - 69 75 

EXPENSE ACCOUNT. 

To Vrooman, Anderson & Bateman, Toledo, O., 
• for printing 100 circulars, contents of pam- 
phlets and envelopes - - - 
For 400 postal cards 
For printing same and 100 papers 
For printing 500 copies ot '97 pamphlets 

Total, 

Balance paid by order on the Treasurer - - 18 55 

J. L. Pray, Secretary. Pauls H. Pr\y, President. 



$ 3 


25 


4 


00 


I 


25 


79 


80 


88 


ZO 



Treasurer's Report for September 10, 1898. 

Amount on hand Sept. 10, 1897 - - ^26 27 

Collected by Secretary for Memberships - - 1 3 00 

For sale of pamphlets - - - - - 58 50 



Paid for postage 

For printing 500 Pamphlets 

For " postal cards and circulars 



Balance on hand 









$97 


77 


- 




- 


$ 5 


10 




- 




79 


80 


irs 






3 


40 




$88 


30 


- 




- 


9 


47 


J- 


E. 


Hall, 


Treas 





The Maumee Valleij 



jS-^ 



»;-^V 





ii^l\&^^^'' 



w 




Pio n per A axnejnfinr) . 



OF 

CHARLES PRATT, 

AT MEETING OF MAUMEE VALLEY PIONEER SOCIETY, AT MAUMEE, OHIO, 

September IOth, 1897. 



REMINISCENCES OF PIONEEER LIFE. 



Mr. President, Pioneers, Ladies and Gentlemen : 

I have been invited by your committee to speak to 
you to-day by way ot reminiscences of pioneer life. In 
order to do so and speak of the things which I saw and 
knew, would require that I speak in the first person — I 
cannot otherwise give reminiscences irom my own knowl- 
edge. Further than this it is proper that I should say 
that although a member of this Society by virtue of my 
residence in the city of Toledo — which commenced in the 
year 1850 — my earliest childhood and boyhood recollec- 
tions are not connected directly with the territory of this 
Society as prescribed in your constitution — not being 
within the State of Ohio — but it was within what was 
commonly known as the Bean Creek country, which is 
intimately connected with and tributary to the Maumee 
Valley. 

THE BEAN CREEK COUNTRY. 

Bean Creek, as commonly known, — but perhaps 
more properly called "Tiffin River," by which name it is 
known upon the maps generally — has its rise in Devil's 
Lake in the northwest corner ot Lenawee county, Mich- 
igan, and running southerly near the line between Hills- 
dale and Lenawee counties, Michigan, and Fulton and 
Williams counties, Ohio, empties into the Maumee river 
in Defiance county, just above the city of Defiance. This 
Bean Creek country was, in the year 1833, an unbroken 



10 The Maumee VaUey 



wilderness inhabited only by the wild beasts and the 
Indian. It was the home of a remnant of the Potawat- 
amie tribe of Indians, about one hundred in number, 
under two chiefs : Metea and Baubeese. In this region 
my father settled in the fall of 1833. To the east of this 
place the nearest settlement was at Adrain. To the north 
was a military road running north of Devil's Lake trom 
Detroit to Chicago, laid out about tiie years 1825 to 1830 
and known as the "Detroit and Chicago Road." This 
road had been surveyed and opened by the United States 
government as a turnpike, and along the line of it there 
was here and there a settler. To the west of it the near- 
est settlement was at Jonesville in the western part of 
Hillsdale county, and to the south of it such settlements 
as t'here were then here upon the Maumee River. In this 
unbroken wilderness, in the month of November, 1833 — 
with the nearest white settler twelve miles distant — three 
log cabins (one of which was my father's) were built ; and 
in these, twelve white persons in all — men, women and 
children, (of the latter ot whom I was one), passed the 
winter of 1833-4. At that time the territorial govern- 
ment of Michigan held possession and exercised jurisdic- 
tion down to the Fulton line, so-called. By the Ordinance 
ol 1787 for the government of the territory of the United 
States lying northwesterly of the Ohio River, it was pro- 
vided that Congress should have authority to form one or 
two states in that part of such territory lying north of an 
east" and west line drawn through the southerly bend or 
extreme point of Lake Michigan ; and in accordance with 
this provision, the State of Ohio was organized with that 
line as its northern and the territory of Michigan as its 
southern boundary, and so remained until June 15th, 1836, 
when by the act of Congress admitting the State of Mich- 
igan, it was changed to the present or Harris line. The 
territory within these two lines embraced the city of 
Toledo and a large part of what is now Lucas, Fulton 



Pioneer Association 11 



and Williams counties, and it was during the period be- 
tween 1833 and 1836 the controversy between the Terri- 
torial g<-overniTient of Michigan and the State government 
of Ohio was being carried on. Some of you remember, 
and all of you have heard of the heroic deeds of 

THE TOLEDO WAR. 

You have heard of the first session of the Lucas- 
County Court, in the upper part of the City of Toledo, at 
the morning's early dawn (earlier than courts are opened 
in these latter days), of its brief session and of the pre- 
cipitate retreat of its officials at the first alarm caused by 
the apprehended approach of the Michigan invaders ! You 
have heard of the stealing of Major Stickney's apples, of 
the arrest of his sons, One and Two, and also of the arrest 
of the Major himself and his valiant and intrepid conduct 
when he refused to be parolled! 1 myself very well remem- 
ber the excitement when the Michigan troops, under Gen, 
J. W. Brown (afterwards for many years a peaceful citizen 
of Toledo and one of my neighbors) invaded the disputed 
territory, and how the people of Bean Creek, fifty miles 
away listened for the sound of the cannonading which was 
"supposed" to be taking place on the Maumee. I don't 
remember that any one, there or elsewhere, then or at any 
other time, ever heard any of this cannonading ! 

This Bean Creek country had not been involved in 
the historic scenes of which we shall hear later during 
this meeting from my friend Gen, Hamilton, but it had re- 
mained peaceful and quiet — so far as I can learn — amid 
the warlike commotions at this and other points of the 
Maumee, and the little band of Potawatamies of which I 
have spoken sfeem to have been crowded back into this 
Bean Creek valley and to have lived there undisturbed 
and peaceful. It was an ideal home for the Indian. The 
forests were so dense and unbroken as greatly to moder- 
ate the temperature; of the winter. Violent storms were 



12 The Maumee Valley 



infrequent and far less to be feared than upon the open 
prairies. Wild game was abundant, and the numerous 
streams and lakes were filled with fish ; wild cranberries, 
blackberries and other wild berries abundant, and also 
wild honey plentiful, so that there was very little need lor 
that labor so foreign to the habits and instincts of the 
natives. 

Prior to that time, in addition to the Detroit and 
Chicago Military Road of which I have spoken, an act of 
the Michigan Territorial Council had provided that com- 
missioners should lay out a road " from Port Lawrence 
(now Toledo) and running on the most eligible route 
through Blissfield and Adrian" to intersect this Detroit 
and Chicago road. This Council had also established a 
a road to run from Vistula (also Toledo,) in Town nine 
south to the eastern boundary line of the State of Indiana. 
This road was afterwards known as the " Indiana Road," 
and that part of it within the City of Toledo is now Ban- 
croft street, near which some of us reside. The early ex- 
plorers, traders and land-lookers however, relied in 
addition to the compass, mainly upon the Indian trails— 
as well known to them as are the thoroughfares of to-day 
to the white man. These trails connected this Bean 
Creek region with the rapids at Maumee, with Defiance 
and other points on the Maumee river, running through 
to Devil's Lake and the Indian villages in the valley of 
Bean Creek. Of these Indian villages, there were two 
principal ones : one, Squawfield, was within some two 
miles of my father's house ; another was a few miles fur- 
ther away and near Devil's Lake. Metea was the chief 
of one of these villages, and Baubeese of the other. 

THE INDIANS. 

The advance of civilization, as I have already inti- 
mated, had crowned this remnant of the once powerful 
Potawatamies into this valley/ It was their home, provid- 



Pioneer Association. 13 



ed for them all that they required for their life as it then 
was or that was hoped or anticipated by them in the 
future. It was as dear to them as the homes of civiliza- 
tion are to the white man. They were, in the main, peac- 
able and friendly to the settlers, and the early settlers were 
largely dependent upon them trom the first, other supplies 
ot food being almost inaccessible, or only obtainable at 
fabulous prices when they could be obtained at all, 

I could not venture to give any deliberate judgment 
of the natural traits of Indian character as shown by this 
remnent of a tribe from what I saw of them in my boy- 
hood days, or what I learned ot them Jrom others. The 
character and traits of the natives, has been the theme of 
many able writers. There is too great diversity of opinion 
as to the justice of the treatment of the red man by our 
government, for me to give any judgment of my own ; but 
I confess, from what I saw of them during my early life or 
knew of their intercourse with the early settlers; what I 
have heard from others older than myself, created a sym- 
pathy for them in my own mind and a feeling that they 
were not fairly treated, which has followed me through 
life, and of which I am willing to speak on proper occas- 
ions. Washington Irving in his beautiful essay upon 
"Traits of Indian Character," among other things, says : 
"It has been the lot of the unfortunate aborigines ot 
America in the early periods of colonization to be doubly 
wronged by the white. men. They have been dispossess- 
ed ot their hereditary possessions by mercenary and 
frequently wanton warfare and their characters have 
been traduced by bigoted and interested writers." 

This is strong language. I would not presume to 
use it myself, but it comes from a very high source and as 
the result of a very careful study of the early history of 
the country. In later years there has been a greater 
show of fairness in the dealings of our government with 
the Indians, but so tar as this band was concerned — 



14 The Maumee Valley 



speaking from my own knowledge of it — while it may not 
be easy to determine what ought to have been their treat- 
ment, it is difficult to reconcile that which they did receive 
with justice and fairness, considering them as human 
beings with the passions, feelings and affections of our 
common humanity. 

These Indians were pure bloods, not mixed nor half- 
breeds ; had not, at the time of these settlements, been 
corrupted and degraded by contact with the vicious classes 
of white men. Untaught and unsophisticated as they 
were, without any of the refinements of civilization, yet 
they are not to be judged by the degraded specimens that 
may be seen in later years around the haunts of vic(i and 
pollution in our towns or cities. The two Chiefs of whom 
I have spoken were specimens of Indian manhood. I do 
not know which was the higher in authority — though I 
think Baubeese was the superior — but both were recog- 
nized as Chiefs. Baubeese was a large man, of imposing 
appearance and great dignity, a born leader of men, 
Metea, a smaller man, was the orator of the tribe and a 
man oi native natural ability. He was the spokesman of 
the Indians in their councils with the white man, and his 
name, I think, is signed to some of the treaties. Both 
continued in friendly intercourse with the settlers until the 
removal of these Indians by the government in the year 
1840. There have been different statements as to this 
year, but I am quite certain that I state it correctly. 

Under the treaties made between the Indians and the 
United States by which they ceded their lands, it was 
provided that the Indians should enjoy the right of hunt- 
ing and fishing upon the grounds ceded so long as they 
should remain the property of the United States. After 
the first settlement had been made in this region there 
was a great ffood of emigration into this part of the country, 
and the lands were rapidly entered at the land office, so 
that the hunting grounds of the Indians were soon very 



Pioneer Association. 15 



much restricted, but the Indians would not consent to 
remove west, the country beyond the Mississippi being 
unknown to them and they standing in great fear of the 
warhke Indians, who. they said would kill them as soon 
as they got within their country. The ground upon which 
their villages were located was, by reason of apprehended 
trouble with them, (or some time not entered at the land 
office, until in the year 1840, an officer of the United 
States government, with a company of soldiers, was sent 
to remove them forcibly. He surprised them when they 
were all assembled, engaged in some of their festivities, 
surrounded and captured them all and transported them 
beyond the Mississippi River. Nothing was heard from 
them, so far as I know, after that time. If any effort was 
at any time made to locate them upon any reservation, or 
to induce them to conform to the requirements of civiliza- 
tion, I never heard of it. Perhaps nothing of the kind 
would have succeeded if attempted, but it can hardly seem 
otherwise than cruel that they should have been thus sum- 
marily and forcibly compelled to leave their homes and 
the graves of their ancestors, all that was dear to them, 
and go to regions remote and to them unknown. That 
this fair land was to be the home of civilization, the place 
where there should be cultivated farms and populous vil- 
lages and cities instead of the lair of wild beasts and the 
hunting ground of the savage, is, of course, true in the 
providence of God, but that its original possessors were 
treated by the superior race lor which it was destined in 
accordance with the precepts of the Divine Master by 
whose name we are known, is not so evident. 

EXPERIENCES OF THE EARLY SETTLERS. 

All this region of country, embracing Southeastern 
Michigan and Northwestern Ohio, was similar in character 
and natural surface and presented about the same diffi- 
culties and hardships to the early settlers. These were 



16 The Maum.ee Valley 



not such as now meet the Klondyke adventurers, nor such 
as met the Cahfornia gold seekers of '49, but those which 
were necessarily met in establishing homes in a dense 
wilderness remote from the conveniences or even the 
necessities of civilized life, such as many of you here now 
before me yourselves met and can remember and realize 
more fully than I can describe. Houses were to be con- 
structed out of the forest, and they were by the first set- 
tlers constructed in many instances wholly from materials 
so furnished, with very little and in some instances no 
others. The houses of which I have spoken, constructed 
by my father and those with him, were built in that way, 
and were very like the picture upon the book which I have 
in my hand and those which appear upon your badges. 
And they were constructed not merely for summer holiday 
pleasure seekers ; not camps for loggers — men only — but 
homes for permanent residence of delicate women and 
young children during the storms of winter and all the 
vicissitudes of the changing seasons. These settlers were 
there not as mere seekers after sudden wealth, not for 
"jewels of the mine," but to make for themselves and 
their children permanent homes. Men of limited means, 
they received no donation from the government. There 
were no free homestead laws in those days, but upon 
entering their lands at the land office and paying in ad- 
vance and in gold $1.25 per acre for lands for which the 
government had pretended to pay the Indians two and 
one-half cents (out of which he had been largely swindled 
by the Indian traders) they were given a government cer- 
tificate of purchase, and it was these lands that these 
great-hearted men and women — many of whom have since 
gone to their eternal home, and some of whom I see before 
me here at this time — by their toil converted into cultiva- 
ted fields and comfortable homes. Roads were construct- 
ed, streams bridged, swamps drained, school houses and 
churches built, and all done in the midst of difficulties and 



Pioneer Association. 17 



privations little realized by those who are now enjoying- 
the benefits who did not participate in these labors. Not 
only were there dense heavily timbered forests to be 
cleared, but after being cleared the ground was not then 
ready for the plow, as were the prairies of the far west. 
An ax was necessary to make a place for the planting of 
the corn among the roots, and many a day have I myself 
followed the man with the ax and dropped the corn when 
he had made the hole. Wheat and other trains was har- 
rowed in among the stumps, and at first mainly harvested 
with the sickle. The first field of wheat that my father 
raised was wholly harvested in that way; and afterwards, 
for want of room to swing the cradle among the stumps, 
it was frequently necessary to use the sickle in great 
measure in harvesting. Reaping or mowing machinery 
was then unknown and would have been useless if known. 
Oxen instead of horses only were used or useful on those 
rough farms, and generally upon the roads, for several 
years after the first settlement, and all this work was car- 
ried forward under such difficulties and with such labor 
under the shadow of an ever-present malaria that like a 
cloud over-shadowed and pursued the settler with fever 
and agues and rheumatism, that would hold the strongest 
helpless often for days or weeks. 

In addition to all this was the absence of means of 
transportation. The roads had to be blazed or cut through 
forests and were then, in great part, bottomless, except 
as they were provided with corduroy, so that before pro- 
duce could be raised in the settlement, the prices of every- 
thing brought in or attempted to be brought in, were fab- 
ulous and there was no market for anything that could be 
raised after the land had been so cleared as to raise any- 
thing upon it, and it was only by barter among themselves 
or at the village store, that their products could be dis- 
posed of. Of money there was substantially none, and 
the price of everything the farmer had to sell was very 



18 The Maumee Valley 



low, and of that which he had to buy correspondingly high. 
I have heard my father tell of taking his pork to market 
and disposing of it at $1.50 per hundred and taking home 
with him common salt at $4 00 per barrel. Other things 
that he had to purchase were proportinate to this, sub- 
stantially, in price. 

But many and severe as were, the hardships of the 
early settlers (as many of you well know) their lives 
were not wholly barren. I believe it was ordered by God 
in His superior wisdom and mercy, that in no situation or 
circumstances under which man is engaged in lawfully 
carrying out His purposes, is he ever wholly left without 
some gleam of His smile. These men and women were 
hke ourselves, mortals, with the faults and frailties of our 
common humanity, but they were God-fearing men and 
women. They did not forget nor neglect His worship, 
because they were without elegant churches, costly organs 
or trained musicians, but in their groves, their log cabins, 
their barns, or wherever they could meet together, they 
worshiped the Most High as truly and devoutly as any of 
their more favored brethren. Their children did not need 
to wait for comfortable school-houses, or trained teachers, 
but received such instruction as their fathers and mothers 
were able to give them by the light of an open fire after 
the day's work was done, and at the earliest practicable 
time they were gathered into their log school houses, or 
into any other shelter that was at hand, and were placed 
under the instruction of such teachers as could be found, 
and many a young man and many a young woman went,, 
into the battle of life with little it any education other than 
that thus obtained. 

There was among the settlers a comradship similar 
to that felt by the soldier, such in fact, as that usually 
existing between different persons sharing in common any 
special trial, danger or hardship. The latch-string — 

(many of the younger here may not know what that 



Pioneer Association. 10 



means, but the older people know very well) — the latch- 
string, I say, always hung outside the door. Locks, and 
bolts, and bars, were unknown. A sleeping-place at night 
upon the floor, was all that was asked, or expected, by 
the weary traveler, but that was freely given and no ques- 
tions asked. I remember my father saying that he had 
frequently got up in the morning from his bed where he 
slept, in the back of the room, and took observations to 
ascertain how he was to reach the fire at the other end, 
without treading upon any of the sleepers. 

The neighborhood was not bounded by city blocks, 
but we considered every settler within six miles as a 
neighbor, and at every raising and every gathering at any 
time, all the neighbors within that distance were expected 
to be present, while in time of sickness or special need, 
or distress, each one received Samaritan aid and comfort. 
Many a field was planted and many a field was harvested 
by the settler's neighbors while the owner was held in the 
grip of the dreaded fever and ague, and many a sick and 
weary housewife was visited, nursed, cared lor and reliev- 
ed of household cares by unasked aid of her more fortunate 
sisters, and the quilting bee was a well known and favorite 
institution. 

THE RESULT OF THEIR LABORS. 

These earnest men and women who have gone, and 
those of them who are with us here to-day, laid the foun- 
dations of the state and society which it is our lot to 
enjoy, in the enduring principles of the Fatherhood of 
God and the Brotherhood ol man — principles which will 
endure when the earth shall melt with fervent heat. To 
them we owe a debt of gratitude which I fear those ol us 
who did not participate in their labors, toils and trials can 
but faintly realize. Indeed, standing today in the midst 
of our present surroundings, it is difficult for any one to 
realize the changes that have been here wrought in these 



20 The Maumee Valley 



few years oi the white man's dominion in this wilderness. 

Tennyson says in Locksley Hall : 

"Better fifty years of Europe than a cycle of Catha3^" 

Who can tell what cycles time had run while the wild 
beast and red man held their undisputed sway ? These 
lertile lands, these magnificent forests and beautiful 
streams — all this wealth of nature with all its possibilities, 
was here waiting development by human brain and power, 
and yet season followed season and year followed year in 
unvarying order, but the sun in his circuit in the heavens 
looked down upon the same unchanged field, forest and 
stream. The red man was nature's child, but had no 
power to control or shape its forces to do his bidding, or 
call forth its energies for his advance or uplift. With no 
power but his to control, "the great world would spin for 
ever down the ringing grooves of Time," and still remain 
unchanged. But fifty years of the white man's sway and 
the wilderness has been redeemed. The waste places that 
were haunts only of the wild beast, have been converted 
into happy homes. The sighing of the winds through the 
forest has given place to the hum of busy industry. In- 
stead of the Indian village with its few rude tents or huts, 
we have towns and cities — centres of civilization and 
refinement. The Indian pony has given way on land to 
the lio-htninp- express train and the steamer has taken the 
place of the bark canoe upon the water. 

But these years have brought changes in the men and 
women who were laborers in this great work. The 
greater number of them have ceased their labors here. 
Those here to-day show the whitening head as evidence 
of the changing years, but the majority is on the other 
bank of the stream. Those of us who in our youth were 
in some measure witnesses of their toils and struggles are 
fast coming to the brink, and our feet must, in the order 
of nature, at no distant time, dip into its cold waters. As 
one of these I am glad ot this opportunity to speak in 



Pioneer Association. 21 



memory of the pioneer passed away and in comforting 
reminiscence to those who still remain and who are here 
before me to-day. Very few indeed of those whom I 
knew in those early days of my boyhood of which I have 
spoken are now aHve, and of those whom I knew after I 
came to this county very many have passed away. Your 
records — which I have here before me — and those which 
have been read in your hearing here to-day, speak in 
loving remembrance of many of these who were promi- 
nent and active men and women — faithful laborers in lay- 
ing the foundations of civilization in this immediate vicin- 
ity, and I cannot too heartily commend the purpose of 
this society in making mention of, preserving and perpet- 
uating the memory of those early settlers as they have 
passed and are passing away. Standing here as I do 
now, under the shadow of this old court house, you will 
pardon me for a personal reminiscence which comes very 
vividly to my mind. It is now forty five years since court 
was held in this old court house in which I was admitted 
to the practice of the law, and the scenes that I witnessed 
in this court house during the time that I was in the habit 
of visiting it — coming to it frequently from Toledo, not as 
I came to day — on an electric car — but coming on horse- 
back on the tow-path of the canal— I remember vividly 
the forms and faces in the courts of that day — -forms and 
faces no longer seen in the flesh. Judge Saddler, an 
early resident of Erie county, was then judge of the court ; 
dignified and courteous, a model presiding judge upon 
the bench ; and the bar had such leaders as John Fitch, 
at that time one of the foremost lawyers of this region, 
usually engaged on one side or the otiier of every import- 
ant case, and for fifteen years afterwards judge of the 
court ; Morrison R. Waite, afterwards prominent not only 
throughout the nation, but known throughout the world, 
and Chief justice of the United States ; Daniel O. Mor- 
ton, tall and commanding in figure, an able lawyer, long 



22 The Mmimee Valley 



since dead ; John C. Spink, who Hved just across the 
river, but who traveled the circuit and practiced in all this 
Northwest; C. W. Hill, the polished advocate before a 
jury ; William Baker, who has so recently died, all these 
were among the leaders of the bar, all now gone, and of 
that bar, old and young, so far as I know or believe, only 
Judge Dunlap, who sits down here before me, and Daniel 
F. Cook, of this place, remain alive. But I desire here and 
now to pay tribute to these early leaders of this bar, and to 
say that they left the stamp of their influence in their in- 
tegrity and honor in the practice of their profession which 
I trust may long remain the standard of the practice of 
the profession at this bar. 

Pleasant however as it is to dwell upon these remin- 
iscences at this time, pleasant as it is for you to meet to- 
gether to renew old associations and old friendships of 
former years, I will not detain you longer by any of my 
weak words. It is desirable that you who are here pres- 
ent and have takcm part in these early scenes should often 
meet together for the purpose of reviving these recollec- 
tions, and I trust that we all, by reason of them may be 
benefitted and profited in our lives hereafter. I bid you 
good day, and may God bless you all. 



Pioneer Association. 



23 




4) 

Of; 

■a 

u 
"5 



Of 



24 The Maumee Valley 



OF 

R. MARK RICHARDSON, 

DELIVERED BEFORE THE ASSOCIATION AT FORT MEIGS 

AUGUST 14, 1890 



Venerable, Honored and Esteeyned, Pioneers of the Great Valley of the 
Maumee : 

From the time the great God made our great 
world out of nothing-, and hung it on nothing, and 
created man out of the earth, and did set him over 
the works of hands, and made our world a stepping 
Stone to the upper world of glory, generation has suc- 
ceeded generation and we have the pleasure and benefit 
ol mingling with the latest generation yet on record. 

From this we infer we^ ought to know more than the 
preceding generations, for we have the history of their 
triumphs and success, and ol their blunders and failures to 
admonish and instruct us. We ought, as a generation, to 
be better than our predecessors, lor we have their history 
of good and bad, their bad to warn us and their good to 
invite us to be good. 

Pionee:rs, we ought to be among the very best of our 
generation ; we have lived longer, seen more and had a 
longer space to get good and do good if the average of 
human life be ^t^tVi years, if i i years of childhood before 
the line of accountability is crossed, and if i i years is 
slept away, leaving 1 1 years for active responsible life. 
But most of us have lived more than twice Z^Yi years, it 
our responsibility runs parallel with our privileges, how 
tremendous our responsibihty to Him whose we are. 

I came to the Maumee in 1843; the houses in Toledo 
were few and scattering ; great banks of gray earth and 



Pioneer Association. 25 



frog" ponds, where now stands fine business blocks and 
fine dwellings. It was then the days of tallow candles ; 
the mothers had just laid aside the rush light for tallow 
dipped candle light ; next mould candles ; next candle fac- 
tories ; next pewter lamps and lard oil ; next glass lamps 
and coal oil; then electric light flashing and dazzling; 
next] natural gas for light and tuel ; from light to light, 
from less to oreater. How wonderful fulfillment of 
scripture. Many shall run too and fro, and knowledge 
shall increase, and so we have increased. Moral light 
also. From log school houses, where the gospel was 
preached, to fine churches in city and country, with pulpits 
filled with better preachers and better Sabbath schools. 

Pioneers you have leveled our mighty forests, drained 
the swamps, cultivated our soil and turned the howling 
wilderness into beautiful farms and garden lands, waving 
with rich harvests, and fruit blossoming and blooming as 
the rose. You have seen banished in you day the rattle- 
snake, the wolf, the bear, the hostile Indian and the red- 
coat Briton ; you have killed and buried old shaking 
ague — may he never have a resurrection — and now all 
over this beautilul valley we see here and there on a beau- 
tiful farm by the highway in a fence corner or in the field, 
an old giant oak, standing, an answer to somebody's 
prayer, "Woodman spare that tree to shelter man and 
flocks in storm and from the sun's scorching rays." These 
represent you, Pioneers; you are the moral oaks here and 
there, dotting the great valley, towering up as monuments 
of God's grace and preserving mercy. The tornado that 
uproots the strong, green trees, leaves standing here and 
there an old, dry, leafless, sapless tree. Well, the hoary 
head is a crown of glory if it be tound in the way of right- 
eousness. 

Ten thousand human beings start out together on 
life's journey at the age of twenty-one years, after ten 
years one-third have dropped out of the ranks ; in ten 



26 The Maiimee Valley 



years more, or middle age, but half the number are on 
the road ; at three-score years but six hundren are on the 
journey; at three-score and ten perhaps two hundred 
remain; at eighty years, from twelve to twenty; at ninety' 
years, six tottering pilgrims remain; at one hundred years 
one lingers, a lonely marvel, like the last leaf of a tree in 
Autumn, shivering, fluttering in the breeze; we look 
a^ain and all are g-one. 

Pioneers, fellow pilgrims, where will we be twenty 
years hence ? Not here, above or below ! O, where, I ask 
where? We are out on the mighty flowing River of 
Time; the stream bears us on, we cannot anchor or halt a 
moment, we may be ship--wrecked but we cannot be de- 
layed. The river hastens to its home and to-day the roar ot 
the ocean is in our ears, every beating pulse is a tap of 
the muffled drum beating our funeral march to our tombs; 
we ride on the wings of the wind and every swing of the 
pendulum a soul passes into eternity. 

It is said at a party of old and young the question 
was asked which season of life is the most happy. It was 
referred to the host, a man of eighty years old. He 
asked if they had observed a grove of trees before the 
dwelling. He said in Spring's sofc air the buds covered 
with blossoms ; I think how beautiful is Spring. Summer 
comes and covers the trees with ioliao^e and sino^incr birds 
in the branches, and I think how beautilul is Summer ; and 
when Autumn loads the irees with golden fruit and the 
tint of frost paint the leaves, I think how beautiful is 
Autumn ; and when sear, ble.ik winter comes and neither 
foliage nor fruit, I look up through the leafless branches, 
as I could never until now, and I see the stars shine 
through. 

Yes, Springtime of lite, innocent youth, is beautiful, if 
they remember their Creator in the days of their youth. 
Summer of manhood, if you are men of God and your 
powers are employed to do good, is beautiful. Autumn 



Pioneer Association. 27 



of life, if the fruit of righteousness appear, is beautiful. 

And when the winter of death comes and the good 
look up, having brought forth fruit in old age, and not a 
cloud obscure their moral heavens, and they see the bright 
and morning star and are ready to soar away to dwell 
with Him and the good of all worlds, how beautiful is old 
age when the hoary head is a crown of glory. 

All along this great valley the earth has been made 
drunk with the blood of our fallen heroes whose bones 
have mouldered in the soil or bleached by the rays of the 
vertical sun whose dust has flowed in the water or floated 
in the winds that swept over our great valley. We re- 
joice that they died not in vain, that as the blood of the 
martyrs was the seed of the church, so the blood of our 
fallen heroes was the seed of liberty and right. 

We rejoice that in the three great wars within the 
last eighty years with Great Britain and with Mexico, and 
with the South that victory has perched on our banners 
in each and all of those bloody wars, and the old flag 
shines brighter and brighter in the firmament of our free- 
dom. You* have seen a colony struggle into national ex- 
istence and her numbers multiplied into scores of millions, 
the great eagle of liberty soared above the war cloud and 
stretched her wings from the Atlantic to the Pacific and 
from the eastern shores to the farthest point beyond the 
Rocky Mountains. In territory we dwarfing all Europe, 
and under the shadow of her wines is an asvlum for the 
poor and oppressed of all nations, and all nations are 
flowing to it ; a nation of the greatest wealth and most 
glorious freedom, where labor is dignified and universal, 
mgle suffrage and education elevates all classes and now 
we have our government one nation, one union, one flag 
waving over the land of the free and the home of the 
brave 

The union of lakes, the union of lands, 

The union of states none can sever ; 
The union of hearts, the union of hands, 

And the flag of our union forever. — Morris. 

Mark Richardson. 



28 The Maumee Valley 



ls/LE>WiOT^lJ^I^ 



OF 

EDWARD BASSETT, 

FAMILIAR FICUREMN THE EARLY HISTORY OF TOLEDO. 

ARDENT ABOLITIONIST AND WARM FRIEND OF THE LATE GOVERNOR 

ASHLEY. 

SKETCH OF HIS LIFE. 



Edward Pangman Bassett, an old time abolitioinst 
and early settler in Toledo, died at his home in Toledo 
March 2, 1897, aged 78 years, four ^months and eight 
days. Two sons and one daughter survive him, (Mrs. 
Bassett and one son, Edward, having died some years 
ago). Lewis Bassett and Mrs. Cornelia Bassett-Barr re- 
side in Toledo, and Charles Bassett, the eminent tenor, 
who is with the Boston Ideals. 

While Mr. E. P. Bassett has not been so well known 
in recent years owing to his retirement, he was one of To- 
ledo's most prominent citizens a few years ago. 

Mr. Bassett was an early abolitionist and a close 
friend of Governor Ashley. At the outbreak of the war 
Mr. Bassett, then a well-known attorney, was the first to 
raise his voice for the preservation of the Union. In the 
memorable rally at the old Union Depot, Monday eve- 
ning, April 15th, i86[, just after the firing on Fort Sum- 
ter, Mr. Bassett was one of the speakers ot the occasion. 

Mr. Bassett was well-known as a business man. He 
was one of the directors of the Toledo Street Railway 
company organized in September, 1865. He was also a 
director in the Toledo Bridge Company, which company, 
in 1864, built the first bridge across the Maumee. He 
served from 1861 to 1865 as postmaster ot Toledo. ~He 
was a practitioner of law for 40 years. The record of his 



Pioneer Association. 29 



life and his services to his fellow men are a creditable 
heritage and should be cherished as worthy of example. 

Capt. Dowling, in speaking of Mr. Bassett, said : 
"He was a man of sterling worth. He had a positive 
character and had warm iriends and a few enemies, as 
i all men oi a positive stamp must havc^ He was a law 
partner of Charles Kent and was prominent in Republican 
politics." 



30 The Maumee Valley 



OF 

MRS. PAMELA BERDAN.. 



Mrs. Pamela Berdan, widow of the late John Berdan, 
Sr., died October gth, 1896, at the residence of Mrs. Peter 
Berdan at the advanced age of 94 years. Notwithstand- 
ing her many years, Mrs. Berdan was vigorous in both 
mind and body until a little over a year previous to her 
death. 

Mrs. Berdan was one of the oldest residents in the 
city of Toledo. In fact she came to where Toledo is 
located before the corporation was in existence, having 
located on its site with her husband in 1836, which was a 
little over a year before Toledo was incorporated. 

Mr. John Berdan, Sr., was the first mayor of the new 
town, and was a prominent citizen up to the time of his 
death, which occurred in 184 1. 

Mrs. Pamela Berdan was a native of Massachusetts 
With her husband she came to Ohio from New York 
State, making the journey in a carriage, as it was before 
the days of railroads. After a short residence at Bruns- 
wick, near Cleveland, Mr. and Mrs. Berdan and tiieir five 
children came to this part ot the State. 

The children mentioned were Mr. John Berdan, Mrs. 
V. 11. Ketcham, Mr. Peter Berdan, Mrs. Buckingham, of 
Springfield, O., and Mr. George Berdan. Of the children 
only the two first mentioned survive. 

Mrs. Berdan has for many years made her home 
at the Peter Berdan residence, No. 729 Superior St. 
Mrs. Berdan was one of the charter members ot the First 
Congregational church. The Rev. Dr. W. W. Williams, 
a life-long friend of the deceased, conducted the funeral 
service. 



Pioneer Asfioeiation. 31 



^ OF 

DEACON MAVOR BRICHAM, OF TOLEDO, 

BY 

CLARK WAGGONER. 

The limited mention of the hfe of Mavor Brigham, 
permissible here, could not be more properly introduced 
than by the succinct sketch- found in the "Weekly Calen- 
dar ol Work and Worship of the First Congregational 
Church of Toledo," of date ol December ii, 1892, which 
is as follows : 






/ 




/ 



MAYOR BklGHAM 

"With hearty congratulations and the fraternal love 



32 ■ ' The Maumee Valleij 



of the Church, we greet our Venerable Deacon ot nearly 
a half-century, our Church Clerk for forty-six years, and 
our Heaven-kept and honored Brother ever." 

"Mayor Brigham — Born May i6, 1806, in West- 
moreland, Oneida County, New York." 

"Converted and united with the church (Vienna, N. 
Y.) November, 1834." 

"Removed to Toledo, May, 1835. Has been identi- 
fied with this Zion from it birth. Has been elected 46 
times as Church Clerk, and was long its Choir Master. 
Our brother has been honored by his fellow citizens as 
well as by the Church. He has been Mayor of Toledo, 
Collector ol Tolls of Ohio canals (appointmf;nt of Gov. S. 
P. Chase), member of first Board of Police Commissioners 
(appointment of Gov. Cox), member of City Council, etc., 
etc. He superintended the building of this church, and 
the high school of Tok do. He has a record of a brave 
and philanthropic man in anti-slavery times, and amidst 
the three cholera visitations of the city." 

Mr. Brigham's father was a native of Fitz- William, 
Cheshire County, New Hampshire, born in 1781, whence, 
in 1 789. the family removed to Westmoreland, Oneida 
County, New York. He married Amanda Spaulding in 
1803, and settled on a farm covered with forest in that 
town, which he cleared and reduced to cultivation. In 
that home, a log house roofed with bark peeled from elm 
trees, and having a single room, the subject of this sketch 
was born, being second of eight children, four sons and 
tour daughters. School privileges there were very limited, 
the only school being one and one-half miles distant, with 
bad roads intervening. As the oldest son he was charged 
with farm work, largely to exclusion of school attendance. 
Compelled by financial embarrassment to leave the farm, 
the family removed to Vienna, same county, in 1819, on a 
farm also wholly of woods, where another log house was 
built, without window, and with blanket as substitute for 



Pioneer Association. H:-^ 



door. In 1823 they removed to another log house seven 
miles distant. The father's poor health soon demanded 
the entire time of the son, to the total exclusion ol school 
privileges, for three years. When 20 years old the son 
attended school for three months. 

Arriving at 21 years, Mr. Brigham set out in active 
life in employ of a carpenter, at $10 per month, continuing 
the same for two years. In 1829 he went to Watertown, 
Jefferson County, New York, following his trade there for 
a year. In September, 1830, he was married with Miss 
Clarissa Bill, daughter of Deacon Oliver Bill, and cousin 
of Earl Bill, late Clerk of the United States Court for 
Northern Ohio. He remained in Watertown, working 
at his trade and teaching school a short time until the 
Spring of 1835, when, with his family, consisting of wife 
and one child (now Mrs. Harriet E. Beach, of Toledo), he 
started for " the West." Taking a canal-boat, he came 
to Buffalo, where he boarded the historical steamer Com- 
modore Perry, Captain David Wilkinson, for the locality 
since known as Toledo. Here he worked at his trade 
until the spring of 1838, when he contracted to build a 
church at Dundee, Mich., taking his family. While there, 
with Judge Ingersoll and Samuel Barber as partners, he 
built four and one-quarter miles of the Southern Michigan 
railroad, a branch to Dundee, which never was used. In 
the Spring of 1840 he returned to Toledo, which he had 
regarded as his residence during his absence, continuing 
his trade here. In 1841 he engaged as repairing agent 
at $2 per day, tor the Erie & Kalamazoo railroad, opened 
from Toledo to Adrian in 1836." 

In March, 1842, Mr. Brigham was called to his first 
serious affliction, in the death of his wife, who left three 
small childred, (Harriet E., Charles O., and Franklin S.,) 
the youngest but one month old. Returning with his 
children to Vienna, he remained there until Fall, the in- 
fant son meantime dying. He then returned to Toledo, 



34 The Matimee Valley 



where he remained until April, 1843. ^^ a special elec- 
tion in January he had been elected as Justice of the 
Peace, which office he held for six years. 

In June, 1843, he went to Vienna, New York, re- 
maining there until September, meantime (July 27), being 
married with Miss Malinda P. Merrell, oi Westmoreland. 
Returning^ to Toledo he located oa Huron street, and 
when not engaged in his Justice office he was busy at his 
trade as carpenter. In 1846 he purchased the lot now 
No. 820 Superior street, living there until 1848, when he 
purchased the location (No. 719 Walnut street), where 
for nearly fifty years was what he so justly called his 
"dear, happy home," as it was of his dear, happy family, 
from which his children successively passed to the respon- 
sibilities of active, honorable lives. 

In 1852 Mr. Brigham was laid up in health with 
sciatica, so severe as to largely to deprive him of physical 
strength, which, with loss of his shop and tools by fire, 
compelled him to suspend his life-work and turn his atten- 
tion to other lines of business, including the Canal Collec- 
torship, hardware and stove trade and book-keeping. 
From ;ibout 1876 until his death he was unable to pursue 
regular business ol any sort, being largely confined to his 
home, but throughout that time he greatly enjoyed the 
blessings of home life, as he did those of church and social 
relations. As so justly set forth by the church oi his con- 
nection, his interest in its service never relaxed, but was 
abiding in extent of time very rarely known, thus furnish- 
ing an example worthy of emulation in coming years. 

Of his anti-slavery action it may be stated that, with 
four others, he organized, in 1833, one of the very earliest 
societies in the country for resisting the aggressions of 
the slave-power. Being denied the use of the school- 
house in Vienna, N. Y., for such purpose, they met in a 
wagon shop. His interest in that connection never 
flagged, he being permitted to Jive 32 years after the fall 



Pioneer Association. 



of the slave-power in rebellion. As an active friend of 
temperance he was no less prominent, his interest never 
abating in that behalf, as it never did in whatever con- 
cerned the welfare of his fellow men. 

Mr. Brigham largely, and no doubt justly, attributed 
his early and life-long religious interest and activity to his 
ancestors, who for generations were devoted members of 
the church of his choice. His grandfather held the office 
of Deacon in the same for fifty years, and until his death 
in 1849, at the age of 96 years. His. lather held the same 
for the period of 46 years, and until his death in 1867. As 
already shown, he held that relation to the Toledo church 
for the longer period of 51 years, making an aggregate 
service of grandfather, father and son of 147 years, the 
average being 49 years, a record probably without equal, 
and eminently worthy the high appreciation of descendants 
of such ancestry. Noticeable in this connection is the 
fact, that for the period of three years (1846- 1849) the 
representatives of the three generations were all in such 
service. 

When Mr. Brigham arrived in Toledo he united with 
the Presbyterian church, the only church organization 
there. In 1840 it was changed to the Congregational 
form, and in 1842 about one-half its membership withdrew 
and organized a Presbyterian church. Two years later 
the two were united in the First Congregational church, 
since so successfully maintained. 

Mr. Brigham closed his extended life of activity and 
usefulness January 8, 1897, leaving the jtartner of 54 years 
of loving association and their five children, (Stanley F., 
George M., William A., Frederick M. and Harry C.,) 
with Mrs. Beach and C. O. Brigham, already mentioned, 
all of whom, in the providence of God, were permitted 
personally to pay parting honors to the one so largely the 
source of their welfare. The expression of respect for the 
memory of the deceased, both by the church of his con- 



36 The Maumee Valley 



nection and devoted service, and the community so fami- 
liar with his personal worth, left no room lor doubt as to 
the appreciation in which he was held. While many lives 
have Jbeen made more conspicuous than was his, it is 
deemed safe to state, that comparatively few were marked 
by more uniform consideration for the welfare of others. 



Pioneer Association. 37 



OF 

MRS. C. D. DICKS. 



Alter passing through the four-score-and-five circles 
of this life, Mrs. C. D. Dicks catered the imperceptible 
circle oi life beyond, July 27th, 1897. 

This refined and cultured lady was perhaps better 
known in Northwestern Ohio than any old resident. 
For fifty years her home has been the one place of all 
places for old-time residents ot the Maumee Valley to 
visit. Her associations with such families as the Waites, 
Youngs, Backus, Hunts, Forsyths, Hulls, Commagers, 
Champions, Moores, Spencers, Ranneys, Bostwicks, St. 
Claires, Reynolds and others, names that are familiar in 
all Northern Ohio, was kept up until one by one the 
heads of these families were claimed by the Great Reaper, 
she being privileged to be one of the very last remaining 
of that band of noble pioneer men and women. The 
younger members of these families deemed it a privilege 
to keep up the acquaintance of this lovely old lady, and, 
until her death, her correspondents were many, and at 
this advanced age her letters were spoken of as being re- 
markable for their beauty of expression, cleverness and 
originality. 

Mrs Christina Darst Dicks was born November 25th, 
181 2, in Green County, near Dayton, O. Her parents 
were one of those fine old Southern families who came to 
Ohio in its early days. Shewas married to William B. 
Dicks in May, 1833, and she, with her estimable husband, 
came to Maumee in 1847. She was the mother of three 
children, William B. Dicks, Jr., who died in 1882 at St. 
Paul, Minn., and two daughters, Mrs. Julia A. Johnson, of 



88 The Maumee Valley 



Dayton, and Mrs. Phebe C. Bachelder, of Maumee. She 
was a kind mother to her children, and received from 
them the most extravagant devotion in return for her 
years of unselfish care. Her husband, a man of wealth, 
was remarkable for his unostentatious charity and benev- 
olence. He preceded her home 22 years ago. 

She came to Maumee in its prime. She enjoyed 
social life, and was a most delightful and gracious hostess, 
and invitations to her home were eagerly sought after. 
During the vicissitudes of the many years that have in- 
tervened, she had been very zealous in the welfare of any- 
thing pertaining to the interests of her chosen town. 



Pioneer Association. 39 



]VIE>IV10Fei.A.I^ 

OF 

ALFRED P. EDCERTON. 



Although not a member of this Association, he was 
a prominent man in the Maumee Valley, who had many 
warm personal triends, and whose public as well as his 
private life was a model for us all to imitate. For nearly 
or quite sixty years he made Hicksville, in Defiance 
County, his home, and died there on the 14th day of 
May, 1897. 

The following is a short sketch of his life which I re- 
ceived from him during his liletime, and for that reason 
deem it authentic : 

"REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF INDIANA." 

12th Congressional District, Fort Wayne, Page 44. 



Alfred P. Edgerton, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was 
born in Plattsburgh, Clinton County, New York, on the 
I ith of January, 1813, and is the eldest son of Bela Ed- 
gerton and Phebe Ketchum, who were married on the 24th 
of March, 181 1. His father was born in Norwich, Con- 
necticut, September 28, 1787, and was descended from 
Richard Edgerton, one of the original proprietors of Nor- 
wich. Bela Edgerton graduated at Middleburg College, 
Vermont, and early moved to Plattsburgh, Clinton County, 
New York. He was a lawyer by profession, and after 
taking up his residence at Plattsburgh was elected a mem- 
ber of the Assembly 18267-8. He died at Fort Wayne 
September 10, 1874, aged 87 years. Mrs. Edgerton was 
born on the Livingston Manor, Dutchess County, New 
York, March 27, 1790, and died at Hicksville, Ohio, 



40 The Maumee Valley 



August 24, 1844, and was buried at Fort Wayne. Altred 
P. Edgerton, the son, was a graduate of the academy at 
Plattsburgh, and became the editor of a newspaper in his 
native county in 1833 ; but in the fall of that year remov- 
ed to the city ot New York, where he engaged in com- 
mercial pursuits. In the Spring of 1837 he came to Ohio, 
and assumed the management of the extensive landed in- 
terests of the American Land Company, and of the Hicks 
Land Company. At this office over 140,000 acres of land 
were sold. In 1852 Mr. Edgerton was the owner of near- 
ly 40,000 acres in Northwest Ohio, a large part since dis- 
posed of to actual settlers, towards whom a liberal policy 
was shown. All of this land, 14.0,000 acres, was sold 
under duplicate contracts ; the form was drawn by Benja- 
min F. Butler, who was Attorney General under President 
Van Buren, and the brother of Charles Butler, the Presi- 
dent of the American Land Company. ■ There never was 
any change made in the form of these contracts. Deeds 
were given only when payments were made in full. Dur- 
ing Mr. Edgerton's residence at Hicksville he was actively 
engaged in developing and improving th(^, town and its 
neighborhood In 1845 ^^ ^^^ elected to the State 
Senate, then comprising many able men, where he took 
an active part. Mr. Edgerton being a new member, little 
was known or expected of him, but when Alfred Kelly, 
then the leader of the Whig party in the Senate, intro- 
duced the financial policy then favored by them, with 
kindred issues, he was opposed by Mr. Edgerton with 
force and abiHty. His speeches electrified the Senate by 
their accurate knowledge of the finances of the state. Mr. 
Kelly met a redoutable foeman, and the Democrats were 
all delighted with the success that their speaker had 
gained in the debate, and thenceforth he was recognized 
as their leader. The next year he was proposed and 
strongly supported by many leading Democrats as their 
candidate for Governor. In 1850, after the close of a 



Pioneer Associalinn. 41 



brilliant career in the State Senate, he was elected to the 
House of Representatives of the United States, and 
re-elected in 1852. During his first term he was the 
second on the Committee on Claims, but in the next 
Congress was chairman. This was a very important 
committee, and involved much arduous labor. His ser- 
vices in the committee-room were of great value to the 
country, but he did not neglect his position on the floor of 
the House. In debate he was forcible, logical, pungent, 
and refined, his speeches showing great research, and be- 
ing filled with information, practical good sense and dis- 
crimination. 

In 1853 he was selected by the Board of Fund Com- 
missioners of Ohio to represent the state as its financial 
agent in New York City. This was the inauguration ot 
a new policy by Ohio, of having its funds kept by its own 
agents and within its own control. In 1856 he was chair- 
man of the Committee of Organization of the National 
Democratic Convention, held that year in Cincinnati. In 
1859 he was one of a committee appointed by the Legis- 
lature of Ohio to investigate the Irauds in the state treasury. 
He made an elaborate report, which was accepted by thf; 
public as a full exposition of the frauds and their authors. 
In 1857 he removed to Fort Wayne, but retained his citi- 
zenship in Ohio till 1862. In 1859 in conjunction with 
Hugh McCulioch, since Secretary of the Treasury, and 
Pliny Hoagland, he became a lessee of the Indiana Canal, 
from the Ohio state line to Terre Haute, assuming the 
position of general manager, and controlled the business 
until 1868. In 1868 he was nominated by the Democratic 
State Convention as their candidate for Lieutenant-gover- 
nor, on the same ticket as Thomas A. Hendricks as Gov- 
ernor, but the ticket was defeated by less than a thousand 
votes. In 1872 he was nominated for Governor by the 
O'Conor Democrats, but declined in an able and dignified 
letter addressed to the chairman of the convention. He 



42 The Maumee VaVey 



concluded by saying ; "I therefore shall vote the ticket 
with Mr. Hendricks at its head, and I earnestly hope that 
all Democrats in the state will do likewise." He has been 
called by his friends to fill many minor positions. He 
was a delegate from Ohio to the Baltimore Convention in 
1848, and from Indiana to the Chicago Convention in 
1864. He has been an active and efficient member and 
president of the school board in Fort Wayne ior many 
years, and whatever places he has occupied he has filled 
with complete satisfaction to those who have conferred 
them upon him and with honor to himself In private life 
he is an excellent, accomplished and genial gentleman. 
He is one of the best and most successful business men 
ot the state, and is a prominent favorite, and respected 
citizen. He was married to Charlotte Dixon February 9, 
1 841 at Columbus, Ohio. She was the daughter of 
Charles Dixon and was born near Middletown, Connecti- 
cut, June I, 1818, and they have six children — three sons 
and three daughters— all married. Their present resi- 
dence in Hicksville, built by Mr. Edgerton, is the first 
frame residence built in the township. Mr. Edgerton's 
legal residence is in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he has 
resided since 1859. — occupying at times both homes. In 
November, 1885. Mr. Edgerton was appointed one of the 
United States Civil Service Commissioners and became 
president of the Commission. After his retirement from 
the Civil Service Commission he removed to Hicksville, 
to his old home where his wile died a few years ago. 

At a Lincoln Banquet held at Hicksville on Lincoln's 
birthday, February 12th, 1894, Mr. Edgerton was present 
and responded to the toast "Lincoln as President." Mr. 
L. E. Griffin in his introduction of Mr. Edgerton, voiced 
the feelings of the people of Hicksville, which I quote. 
After announcing the above toast he says : 

" To respond to this toast I have the pleasure of an- 
nouncing to you our own townsman. For more than half 



Pioneer Association. 43 



a century almost the same roof that now shelters him, has 
sheltered him, and during that time a generation has come 
and gone. Let it be said of him and in honor ot him, 
publicly and in his own hearing, that his life, his example, 
his integrity, his honor and his citizenship have been a 
boon to this community and this people. 

'• Whether he was in private life, or whether he was 
in the: highest causes of the nation, or whether he was the 
umpire between the spoilsmen of his own party, the peace 
keeper of the opposition party, or the mugwump astride 
of the fence, or whether he held his voting place in an 
other state, Hicksville has persistently claimed him as her 
foremost citizen, unwilling to share that honor with 
others. He needs no introduction. " 

His funeral was largely attended at Hicksville, Sun- 
day the 1 6th, the proceedings of which are too lengthy for 
this sketch. The last funeral rites were held in the Prot- 
estant Episcopal church at F"ort Wayne, Indiana, and his 
mortal remains found a resting place in Lindenwood cem- 
etery with his father and mother, and wife and two broth- 
ers, Lycurgus and Joseph K., both ot whom died suddenly 
away from home and were brought to Fort Wayne tor 
burial. 



44 



The Maumee Valley 




Pioneer Association. 45 



]VLE^]V10T^IA.I 

^OF 

COL. J. A. FASKIN. 



Col. John Faskin died at his home at io6 Meh-ose 
avenue, Sunday night, May 9th, 1897, ^t 12 o'clock. He 
had been confined to his bed but a week, and only for a 
few days had his condition been regarded as serious. 

Deceased left a wife and six g^rown children. 

The funeral services were held Wednesday at 2 130 
P. M. 

Col. Faskin, besides being known as a most highly 
esteemed citizen, had a brilliant military record. 

He was born in Aberdeenshire; Scotland, September 
20, 1821, On reachinor manhood he became a member 
of the 93d Highland Regiment, where he served tor nine 
years as drill sergeant. Being assigned to Quebec he 
there met Miss Mary McMillan, and on September 25, 
1846 they were united in marriage. 

Purchasing his discharge, he came to the United 
States, and, in 1854, settled in Toledo. For 35 years he 
was well known here as clerk for Whittaker & Phillips, 
hardware dealers. 

At the outbreak of the civil war, he volunteered as 
adjutant of the 67th Ohio Regiment. His former military 
service came in good turn, and his ability was soon recog- 
nized. He resigned from the 67th Regiment, May 26, 
1862, and in June of the same year accepted a position as 
lieutenant colonel of the 87th Ohio. 

Later in the war he served as lieutenant colonel ol 
the 130th Ohio Regiment. He was an excellent decip- 
linarian, and did valiant service in the numerous battles 
in which his command was engaged. 



46 The Maumee Valley 



As a citizen he was most highly esteemed. He was 
a member of the Toledo Post G. A. R. and of Command- 
ery No. 7, Knights Templar. Being' a Scotchman, he 
was naturally interested in sports of Scotland. He was 
at one time an enthusiastic curler, and was known as the 
father of the Burns Curling Club, of which organization 
he was an honorary member at the time of his death. 

Col. Faskin had not been well for a number of years. 
Chronic malaria and other diseases contracted in the 
service told on his system. About one week previous to 
his death he took to his bed, and the end came not 
unexpectedly. 

His wife, five daughters and one son were at his bed 
side. The children are Mrs. George W. Fague, Mrs. 
William Midlam, Mrs J. C. Harlin, Miss Maggie Faskin, 
Mrs. N. Craig and James A, Faskin. 

Mr. and Mrs. Faskin celebrated their golden wedding 
in September, 1896. 

Dr. S. F. Forbes, who was associated with Colonel 
Faskin during the war, has paid this glowing tribute to 
him as a soldier and citizen: "He was a splendid drill- 
master and organizer, and his ability was recognized by 
the adjutant general. He had unflinching courage in the 
field, and while a strict disciplinarian, no one lelt that he 
was unjust or was asking any hardship of his men that he 
would not endure himsell. His knowledge, judgment 
and discretion when under fire, secured for him the high- 
est confidence of his men and other officers. 

"As a citizen, his life has been most exemplary. No 
man was better known in Toledo 25 years ago, and none 
were more highly respected." 



Pioneer Association. 47 



OF 

CAPT. CALVIN HERRICK. 



This old, long-experienced and very capable lake 
mariner died at his home 3368 Cherry street, on Saturday 
evening- August i4ih, 1897, ^t 6 150 o'clock. 

Calvin Herrick, one ot the oldest living lake cap- 
tains in this section, was a son ot James S., and Martha 
(Sharpsteen) Herrick, and was born in Richmond, On- 
tario County, New York, January 19th, 1819. In 1823 
his parents came to Ohio and settled at Maumee. His 
father carried on his trade, (blacksmithing). Shortly 
after they moved to Waterville, but while the subject of 
this sketch was quite a lad his parents returned to New 
York and settled in Livingston County. Here young 
Herrick remained until t6 years of age when he came to 
Perrysburg and assisted his brother Elijah in transporting 
merchandise by team from that place to Providence. In 
1837 he commenced his career in lake navigation by en- 
tering the employ of Capt. Curtice Perry, on the schooner 
Caroline, with whom he sailed until 1845 — the last two 
years as mate. In 1845 he was made captain of the 
schooner Kentucky, owned by Mr. D. B. Smith, (now 
secretary of the Toledo Produce Exchange), a position 
he held ior a year and a half. For two years following 
he was mate of the propeller Clobe, commanded by Capt. 
Henry Whitmore. 

He was again selected by Mr. D. B. Smith to com- 
mand the schooner Alvin Bronson, owned by him, in 
which position he remained two years. In 1852 he be- 
came captain of the propeller Henry A. Kent, which he 
successfully commanded until she was destroyc^d by fire 



48 The Maumee Valley 



May 1 8, 1854. Following this date he commanded the 
propeller Scioto for two years. He brought out the pro- 
peller Potomac and commanded her tor a length of time. 
In 1856 the marine insurance companies along the lakes 
formed a board of lake underwriters for mutual protec- 
tion, and employed men in the different divisions of their 
territory to inspect vessels and report their condition. 
Capt. Herrick was employed by this board as marine in- 
spector, his district extending from Toledo to Cleveland. 
This position he held for several years, and subsequently 
acted in a similar capacity for the fire and marine and To- 
ledo insurance companies. For many successive years 
appointed harbormaster by the city council, a position he 
filled most acceptably. 

Capt. Herrick was married December 3, 1846, to 
Margaret Van Fleet, daughter of Jared Van Fleet, an 
early, settler in Lucas county. Seven children have been 
born to them, four of whom are now living, the others 
having died in infancy. The living children are Thomas 
C, Mattie E., now the wife of Elmer Shields ; Clara, 
wife of Charles Beard ; and Anna, wife of John Swigart. 

Capt. Herrick retired from business about 25 years 
ago. 

He lived an honorable, conscientious lite, and in all 
his relations with his tellow-men proved worthy of trust 
and confidence. 

The funeral services were conducted at the family 
residence by Rev. Mr. Bethards, of St. John's M. E. 
church. The remains were laid to rest in Forest cemetery. 



Pioneer Association. 



49 




REUBEN B. MITCHELL. 



50 The Maumee Valley 



REUBEN B. MITCHELL. 



This Association desires to put on record the ex- 
pression of its sincere sorrow at the passing away from 
earth, May loth, 1897, of one of its leading associate 
members. Reuben B. Mitchell, of Maumee City, a long- 
time member of our Association, has been suddenly called 
from his earthly cares and duties to a higher life. Our 
friend was the most genial of gentlemen, and popular in 
all his relations with us and all with whom he came in 
contact. His business career has been long and varied, 
but always a successful and honorable one. First a large 
foundry and next milling and banking. A milling and 
grain business occupied his chief attention. His inter- 
course with all men has been marked by integrity and 
fidelity to his engagements. Under present estimates of 
the length of human life, he had not attained to a very 
ripe age, and left us at the age of 67. It is the close of 
an upright and honorable life, and one worthy our imita- 
tion, and most heartily do we deplore his loss from our 
Association. A long residence on this river has endeared 
him to a wide circle of friends, who will equally mourn 
with us. His wife and four children survive him. 



Pioneer Association. 51 



OF 

JOSEPH RALSTON. 



Joseph Ralston was born in Hanover, Dauphin 
County, Pa., June 20th, 1818. His parents were both 
Pennsylvanians by birth. He was the oldest of a family 
ot ten children. In 1824 his parents moved to Lebanon, 
Lebanon County, in the same state, where he attended 
the Lebanon academy, graduating from that institution in 
1831. In March, 1832, he, with his parents, started for 
Ohio, and after 17 days' travel overland arrived at Mas- 
silon, Ohio, on the loth day of April and soon after set- 
tled on a farm near by, where his parents died — his father 
August loth, 1858, his mother May 30th, 1868. Joseph 
assisted on the farm until the age of 18, when he com- 
menced teaching school, and continued at that vocation 
six years June 23rd, 1839, he was married to Anna E. 
Shorb, of Stark County, Ohio, whose parents were born 
in Maryland, and immigrated to Stark Cou'nty in 1820. 
Mrs, Ralston was also one of a family of ten children. 
Mr. Ralston remained in Stark County about three years 
after his marriage, when he concluded to seek his fortune 
in the West. Accordingly in October, 1843, he and his 
family, consisting of his wife and son, took passage on a 
canal boat on the Ohio canal at Massilon, for Cleveland, 
and there embarked on the old steamer Superior for To- 
ledo. Here they took passage on the canal boat Red 
Lion for Defiance, arriving there October 10, 1843. Here 
he met an old acquaintance, S. P. Cameron, who induced 
him to settle in Washington township, where Georgetown 
is now located, and occupied a small log cabin on the land 
ot Mr. Cameron until he could secure a place for his 



52 The Maumee Valley 



future home, which he did by selecting 80 acres of land in 
Tiffin township, on the bank of Mud Creek, being" the 
first settler on that stream. He commenced the clearing 
of the forest preparatory to putting up a house, which in 
those days was quite an undertaking, owing to the scarcity 
of help which had to come from two to six miles. The 
season was an exceedingly wet one which proved quite a 
hindrance, as he had to gather his help five times, but 
after a time he succeeded and moved into it, and was 
"monarch of all he surveyed," for his neighbors were 
neither near nor plenty, the nearest being two miles on 
the North, four on the South, tour miles on the East, and 
on the West the forest was unbroken for twenty miles. 
After clearing part of this farm, putting up a hewed log 
house, (which is in good condition yet), setting out an or- 
chard, carrying the trees on his back six miles, and making 
several improvements, he sold out in 1850, and in 1851 
moved to Defiance and purchased the place which is still 
the family residence. Here he engaged in a general 
merchandising and produce business. Mr. Ralston filled 
several public offices during his time. In i860 he was 
elected Justice of the Peace. In 1863 appointed by the 
government Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue for 
the Tenth Collection District, and Deputy Collector of 
Revenue thereafter. 

Mr. Ralston made a success of life, accumulating 
many acres of land, owning about a section of land at the 
time of his death, which occurred October 22nd, 1895. 
Of a family of seven children, Mrs. Ralston and three 
children survive him. 



Pioneer Association. 53 



WL^^Is/LOl^lJ^J^ 



OF 

MARK RICHARDSON, 
THE PIONEER LOCAL PREACHER AND ORATOR OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY. 

BY N. B. C. LOVE, D. D. 



Only a few pioneers were found in the Maumee Val- 
ley at the commencement of the 19th century. Those 
who came during the first half of this century were from 
homes ot intelligence and morality, either in the Father- 
land or the Eastern States. Mark Richardson was one 
of this number, bringing with him refinement, knowledge 
and morality. He was naturally an extraordinary man 
with profound convictions. He was born in the Emerald 
Isle and came in his early manhood to America and set- 
tled in Perrysburg, Ohio, in 1843, ^^^ trom thence to 
Maumee City in 1849, where he lived respected by his 
fellow citizens to his death, February 22nd, 1897. 

He was a tanner by trade, and for many years he con- 
ducted an extensive business, and during all this time he 
improved his spare moments in reading and study, and 
on the Sabbath Day preaching the gospel. During the 
last twenty-five years the most of his time was given to 
the work of the ministry, sustaining to the M. E. church 
the relation of local elder, and serving in the regular pas- 
torate under the supervision of the presiding elder. 

He preached first in Wood County in 1846, and in 
Miami in 1847. ^^is last church was at Detroit Avenue 
church, Toledo, a most difficult charge to serve, yet he, of 
all who served it, was the most successful. He was 82 
years of age, and last January he and his excellent 
wife celebrated the 59th anniversary of their wedding. 



54 The Maumee Valley 



Eleven children came to their home, two of whom 
died in infancy, and the nine surviving were with him in 
the hours of his departure. 

Mark Richardson's demeanor and appearance carried 
the conviction ol his dignity and superiority, and yet such 
were benignity of his countenance and the kindness ot his 
manner that the humblest found him a friend. He was 
reliable. His word could be depended on and his friend- 
ship had the God-like element of continuity. He despised 
all shams. Time servers in church or state were in abomi- 
nation. He was not ashamed to own that he had a con- 
science, nor did he hesitate to act up to his convictions of 
duty. He was, however, broad and had great charity for 
those who honestly, in any way, differed from him. The 
welfare of others delighted him and any promotions or 
successes of his brothers seemed to give him pleasure. 

He was familiar with distress and often was found in 
the homes of the suffering. 

In the days of his physical vigor he was not surpassed 
in the Maumee Valley as a pulpit orator. His voice was 
reasonant and far reaching, his articulation distinct and 
his language ready and appropriate. His illustrations 
were original and happily selected and effective, his doc- 
trine sound and his views of life hopeful and far reaching, 
orthodox yet liberal. For half a century he took an act- 
ive part in the affairs of the church and the county. 

His knowledge of the Bible and of the best literature 
of the day was remarkable. His memory was compre- 
hensive and accurate. He was a patriot. During the 
war of the rebellion his voice was often heard in favor ot 
union and liberty. He was the friend of the poor and 
unfortunate. 

But the end came. Life dropped the distaff quickly 
and the silver chord was loosed ; then as the light of the 
morning shone upon his stricken form, an angel escort 
conducted him into the light of the eternal day. 



Pioneer Association. 55 



His funeral was largely- attended and was in charge 
of his pastor, Rev. A. Hopkins, who preached an appro- 
priate sermon, 2 Samuel 3 ; 38, " Know ye not that there 
is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel. " 
The singing was led by Rev. Mr. Casey. Dr. P. P. Pope 
pronounced an eloquent eulogy, and the closing prayer 
by Dr. J. M. Avann. 

The following ministers were present: Revs. J. R. 
Colgan, J. H. Bethards, F. L. Wharton, D. H. Bailey, J. 
W. Donnan, T. J. Pope and O. Wagner. 

The preachers meeting of Toledo, Ohio, took action 
upon his death, appointing as a committee Dr. N. B. C. 
Love and Rev. J. W. Donnan, who reported as follows : 

" We recognize the fact that in the death of Rev. 
Mark Richardson the church has lost one of its ablest 
men, and the memory of him shall not perish. 

" Resolved, That an expression of the sympathy of 
the ministers of this association be extended to the be- 
reaved wife and children in this, their said bereavement. 

" Resolved, That this report. and action o( the asso- 
ciation be recorded in the minutes of the association. " 

The resolutions were unanimously adopted. 



56 The Maumee Valley 



MEMORIAL 



OF 

ALFRED THURSTIN, OF BOWLING GREEN. 



Alfred Thurstin, Bowling Green's aged first settler, 
died at 8 o'clock on the morning of April 21st, 1897, ^^ 
the age of 91 years, after a residence of over 60 years on 
the land now occupied by the eastern half of the city It 
has been granted to but few men to witness the changes 
that came to Thurstin's vision through these long 63 
years. In 1834 he entered the 80 acres now comprised 
within a portion of Bowling Green. In 1834 he built his 
cabin on the spot now occupied by the Sentinel building. 
He then returned to the East to get his bride. During 
the winter the two or three families living in this vicinity 
pre-empted the vacant cabin for the first school held in 
Bowling Green. In the spring Mr. Thurstin returned 
and' has ever since resided here, an honored citizen and a 
venerated pioneer. He was born April 20th, 1806, in 
Chenango County, New York, and was married February, 

1834. 

Alfred Thurstin's pioneer life in Wood County was 
beset by all the difficulties and hardships which life in the 
wilderness usually presents. From early life he quietly, 
yet persistently proceeded to conquer all obstacles which 
hard work could conquer. No man possessed in greater 
degree, the virtue of patient persistence. He opened two 
farms in central Wood county, and except the help of his 
growing family, did it without aid. Whatever he has 
accumulated is the result of his conquest over nature's 
opposing forces. 

He belonged to a race of pioneers, long-lived, inde- 



Pioneer Association. 57 



pendent, resourceful and above and beyond all, persistent. 
With him, display provoked contempt. He loved to live 
near to nature in an unostentatious, patient, honest man- 
ner. He has a record of a very protracted and useful 
life. January nth, 1888, he was married to Mrs. Martha 
S. Van Tassel, who survives him. 



58 



The Maumee Valley 



OF 

MRS. V. W. GRANGER. 

FROM THE SUNDAY JOURNAL, MAY 13TH, 1894. 

Wednesday, just as the sun had passed its zenith, 
and with the balm of soft spring air coming in at the win- 
dows, a long and weary illness terminated, and a life 




MRS. V. W. GRANGER. 



Pioneer Association. 59 



which had been filled with love and affection and gentle- 
ness for all within its touch, came to an earthly end, when 
Mrs, V. W. Granger fell asleep. 

Born among the hills of Vermont four and sixty years 
ago, Emeline Frances Dodge wedded with her husband, 
who to-day mourns her departure, when nineteen, and the 
young couple set up their household at that early day in 
Toledo, where they have passed the nearly half century 
intervening. To them three children were born, one, Mrs. 
John B. Ketcham, 2d, passing on some years since, while 
two remain, Mrs. Rowland Starr and Mr. V, W. Granger, Jr. 

Quiet and unostentatious, Mrs. Granger held her 
friends close to her in the details of a pure and loving life. 
In church work she was always among the foremost while 
health remained, and Trinity knew no more faithful or 
conscientious communicant. Not given to self-advance- 
ment, but ever willing to yield her service in all good and 
helpful endeavors, she filled the measure of her life with 
kindly acts and tender, aidful deeds, and leaves behind a 
memory fragrant with all that makes life worth living, and 
which having lived, death has no terrors for those called 
away. Within the past year Mrs. Granger has suffered 
the attacks of an insidious disease, whose assaults all skill 
and wisdom and care of loving, devoted family and friends, 
could not withstand. Enduring a severe surgical opera- 
tion the past winter, it was fondly hoped that the inevitable 
for mortals might be postponed, and the devoted wife and 
mother spared yet for many goodly years. But her feeble 
strength was insufficient to withstand the ordeal, and her 
decline has since bee;n continuous, until she was involved 
in the common fate of her race. The obsequies were held 
at the family residence Friday, and then the wife and 
mother was laid away in Forest cemetery, mourned most 
by those who knew her. 



60 The Maumee Valley 



]vie:^]vioi^i.a.l 

OF 
LUTHER WHITMORE. 



Mr. Luther Whitmore, of East Toledo, died at his 
residence at seven o'clock on the evening of July 12th, 
1897, after a long illness. He was one of the early mem- 
bers of our Association, and one ot the oldest residents on 
this river. His age, at his passing away was a little more 
than d>'j. 

Mr. Whitmore was born in Millbury, Mass., May 18, 
1 8 10, and came to Wood County when he was but 15 
years of age. He located at Waterville, and later moved 
to Perrysburg. In 1834 he purchased a tarm of 123 acres 
located in Wopd County. The Wood County line was 
changed, thus leaving 23 acres of his land in Lucas 
County. The line was changed in 1836, and he has re- 
sided in the same place since that date. 

He left five children : Mrs. Henry Wood, who re- 
sides in Michigan; Mrs. Robert Chamberlain, Elijah, 
Chester and Warren, all of whom reside in this city. His 
wite died several years ago. 

Deceased was a man of ambition and energy, and 
watched with interest the growth of the East Side since 
his residence there. In the early days he built a large 
dock on the river bank, and engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness. He was fond of relating his business experiences 
of the days of old, and was very proud of the advance of 
civilization. His counsel and advice was much sought 
after by the younger residents, and he commanded the 
largest respect from all. 

Our friend was well known to the old residents as a 
man of spotless character and a genial, pleasant disposi- 



Pioneer Association. 61 



tion. He has not been an attendant on our meetings ot 
late years, and generally on account of failing health. 

He was buried from the Memorial Baptist Church oi 
which he had been an active member. 



62 The Maumee Valley 



lVIBNIOFei.A.1^ 



HON. JNO. R.OSBORNE. 



On Monday, July 5, 1897, at the residence o\ his 
daughter, Mrs. B. E. Bullock, the Hon. John R. Osborne 
passed away, ripe in years and with a record for goodly 
deeds that will long survive his taking off. For a score of 
years, before bodily ailments compelled his retirement to 
a life of quiet, he had been prominent as a lawyer and an 
active participant in the work of advancing and upbuild- 
ing the interests of Toledo, He was ever earnest in the 
advocacy of a cause that commened itself to him. There 
survive him six children, as follows: Major Hartwell Os- 
borne, of Evanston, 111.; J. R. Osborne, of Buffalo; Mrs. 
J. L. Beach, of Brooklyn; Mrs. W. W. Ainsworth, Mrs. 
L. Cratts and Mrs. B. E. Bullock, of Toledo. 

Mr. Osborne was born in Columbus, O., April ist, 1813. 
He went to the Ohio University, at Athens, O., in 1827, 
and graduated therefrom in 183 [. He studied law in Cir- 
cleville and Columbus, and in the fall of 1832 went to Lex- 
ington, Ky., entering the law department of Transylvania 
University. Upon completing his course he settled at 
Norwalk and formed a law partnership with a gentleman 
named Parrish. 

He came to Toledo in October, 1837, ^0^ formed a 
partnership with Judge Myron Tilden, late of Cincinnati. 
Their first office was located on the corner of Lagrange 
and Superior streets, where now stands the residence of 
Dr. Samuel Thorn. 

In 1839 Mr. Osborne married Elizabeth Phinney Hart- 
well, of Circleville, following which he returned to Nor- 



Pioneer Association. 



63 



walk, and was treasurer of the Wabash railroad until 1858, 
when he came again to Toledo to resume the practice of 
law. He associated himself with General Wager Swayne, 
now ol New York, and upon General Swayne's removal 
Irom Toledo, entered into a partnership with his nephew, 




HON. JOHN R, OSBORNE. 

Mr. Alex. L.. Smith. His sight began to fail about four- 
teen years ago, which forced him to give up active work, 
but he continued in the harness. About seven years ago 
he was stricken with paralysis and retired from the scenes 
that had known him so long. He was earnest and ac- 



64 ^ The Maumee Valley 



tive — so long as strength permitted — in the work of 
Christian advancement, both at home and abroad. He 
was one of the organizers of the Adams Street Mission 
and of Westminster Presbyterian church — of this latter he 
was an active member up to the time that his physical in- 
firmities debarred him. His services as elder and as a 
prominent attendant at all the stated meetings of his 
church are a sacred memory. He at times represented 
the Maumee Presbytery in the General Assembly of the 
Presbyterian church, in which he was always assigned and 
performed honored work — and his character as a Christian 
gentleman and a Christian worker in the city of Toledo 
was one of the noblest. His time, his talents and his 
money were always freely given in behalf of every good 
work, no matter whether under the auspices of his own 
well loved church or not. He was active in the orgfaniza- 
tion and was the first president of the Soldiers' Memorial 
Association of Toledo. He was an esteemed citizen, 
whose taking off will occasion a feeling of deep regret in 
the hearts of all who knew him and his works. To 
quote the words of Rev. S. G. Anderson, who conducted 
the funeral service : "No words of mine can pay the tribute 
the world owes the example left by this man. His life is 
an eulogy in itself, and nothing I could say would half 
express what such a life as this friend lived each day 
means to those who knew him. He left to us all a mem- 
ory never to be forgotten as the years go by, and a beau- 
tiful example of Christian character." 



Pioneer Association. 65 



OF 

SAMUEL M. YOUNG, ESQ. 



Another of the comparatively early residents of the 
Valley has exchanged the earthly for the life (Eternal. 
Samuel M. Young, Esq., passed away on the first of Jan- 
uary, 1897, ^t the ripe age of 90 years. He was born at 
Lebanon, New Hampshire, December 29th, 1806. I have 
said above that he was a comparatively early pioneer, and 
that expression is used to denote the contrast between the 
immigrants hither from 181 5 to the period of the greatly 
increased population beginning about 1830. 

Mr. Young arrived at the shore of the Maumee river 
in 1834. He was ferried across to Miarr^i in the horse 
boat where he met Mr. Hubbell, who was then a hotel 
keeper in a brick residence on the bank of the river a lit- 
tle above Fort Miami. The result of that acquaintance 
was an engagement as school teacher, for his intellectual 
capabilities and preparation for the law represented all 
the capital of the youthful New Englander, Mr. Young's 
immigration to the West was one of thousands, and illus- 
trated a simple problem, that the young men of New Eng- 
land were increasing more rapidly, at that period, than 
could find profitable employment in the slow growth of its 
commerce and trafiic. No railways had been projected 
to develop resources, enhance values and increase the 
elements for popular support. The West is greatly in- 
debted to New England for great numbers of bright 
and capable young men like Mr. Young, who have 
stamped their home characteristics of enterprise, industry, 
economy and thrift upon their newly chosen vicinities. 



66 The Maumee Valley 



But {e\w of these immigrants equaled the subject of this 
memoir in the equipments of intellectual and physical 
capability. His was a tall, athletic and manly form, with 
a mind far exceeding the average, and thoroughly trained 
by education and the study ot his profession. It was a 
bright and important accession to the population of his 
adopted city. He was soon chosen County Auditor at 
the organization of this county. At the same time he 
opened a law office where he began the practice of his 
profession. In 1838 Morrison R. Waite also came to 
Maumee, and after the study of law with Mr. Young, the 
firm of Young & Waite was organized, and at once the 
firm became one of the leading law firms on the river. In 
1852 the firm opened an office in Toledo, as the county 
seat had been removed thence. In 1855 Mr. Young em- 
barked in the banking business in Toledo, and soon after 
retired from his law practice. In i860 he purchased the 
square between 13th and 14th streets, with its residence, 
to which he made important additions and where his life 
was closed. 

Our friend was largely identified with the organiza- 
tion of the Cleveland & Toledo and the Columbus & 
Toledo Railways. In connection with Mr. A. L, Backus 
he built a large grain elevator and was connected with the 
grain commission business for years. He was associated 
with others in the building of the Boody House hotel, and 
was the president of the company. He had large and 
important interests in the Toledo Gas Company and was 
its president for years. During most of this period and 
until a few years before his death he continued the bank- 
ing business here. The grasp of his mind was illustrated 
by his ordaining success in all these enterprises. Under 
the outward signs of a quiet und unostentatious manner 
our friend developed capacities of mind of the highest 
rank. 

A long life like that of Mr. Young in one community 



Pioneer Association. 67 



leaves upon it an index and impression of character. It is 
a source of satisfaction to recall some of these elements 
developed by him. He was a reticent but thoughtful man, 
and capable of originating and studying out his own plans 
of life. His patience and charity for those with whom he 
differed was a marked trait. While endowed with the 
New England habit of investigating the charities that ap- 
pealed to him, his gifts to them and the church were gen- 
erous. No meanness characterized him. He was a noble 
and worthy son of an eminent and influential New Hamp- 
shire family. Of late years he had retired from the ac- 
tivity which had signalized his life on the river, and while 
the world's affairs move on uninterruptedly without him, 
great numbers who knew and marked well his life and 
worth are now sorrowing at his passing away. 



68 The Maumee Valley 



OF 

MRS. ANCELINE N. YOUNG. 



Mrs. Young came to Maumee as a child in 1825 and 
grew up there to womanhood. She was married at an 
early age to Samuel M. Young, Esq., a young attorney ot 
that village, who had immigrated there Irom Nev»^ Hamp- 
shire. The family resided at Maumee until i860 when 
they removed to Toledo, and into the residence where her 
earthly life was ended. She was the mother of six child- 
ren, but the discipline of great sorrow was hers in the loss 
of four of them, two in early life and two in a matured and 
splendid manhood, and again in the death of her husband, 
with whom she had lived nearly 56 years. For a long 
period Mrs. Young has been a social leader in Toledo, 
and her gracious and cordial hospitality was a charm to all 
who were privileged to participate in it. Her influence 
was of a quiet nature but was always ranged on the side 
of what was purest and best in our social and religious 
life, and the close of her career is a distinct and positive 
loss. How well and faithfully and lovingly she has ful- 
filled the duties of wife, mother and devoted Christian. 

Mrs. Young passed away on the 8th of June, 1897, ^ 
little more than five months alter the death of her hus- 
band. One by one the early residents are removed from 
our earthly sight. The ranks have been largely depleted 
in the present year. 



Pioneer Association. 



69 



]VLBN10Fei.A.L^ 



OF 



DUDLEY C. SALTONSTALL. 



Dudley G. Saltonstall died at his residence, 809 
Washington street, Toledo, at 4 o'clock Monday morn- 
ing, August 9, 1897. The cause of death was old age. 




DUDLEY G. SALTONSTALL. 

Mr. Saltonstall was born in Philadelphia 89 years 
ago, but, at an early age, went to Litchfield, Conn. He 



70 The Maumee Valley 



came as far west as Cleveland with T. P. Handy, a banker, 
and in '42 moved to this city, where he engaged in the 
grain business. He built the first elevator in Toledo, and 
owned one of the first line of canal boats, as a member of 
the firm of E. Haskell & Co. 

Mr. Saltonstall was the father of Victor Saltonstall, 
who was accidentally drowned a lew weeks ago while on 
his way to Put-in-Bay. The surviving children are Dud- 
ley E., Gurdon Winthrop, William Herbert and Richard. 
The funeral occurred Wednesday, August 11, at 2 o'clock, 
from the Church of Our Father, Rev. A. G. Jennings offi- 
ciating. 

Toledo business men keenly felt the loss of Mr. Sal- 
tonstall. He was closely identified with the commercial 
life of Toledo for over half a century. In the 50s he was 
a member of the dry goods firm of William Bowles & Co., 
remaining with them until 1871, when he and O. S. Bond 
established the Merchants and Clerks' Savings Bank. He 
continued with the bank for twenty years, and Mr. O. S. 
Bond, who was intimately associated with him, pays the 
deceased a high tribute for his sterling integrity, upright 
life and conscientious business methods. Mr. Saltonstall 
was an example of the rare truth that one may live beyond 
the allotted span, but need never grow old. His hair was 
white a score of years ago; his step grew feeble in these 
later days, but the one trait of his personality that was 
prominent was the perennial youthfulness of his heart. 



Pioneer Association. 71 



MEMORIAL 

OF 
DAVID S. WILDER. 



David S. Wilder was born in 1813 in Winchendon, 
Worcester County, Mass., and was the son of Abel Wil- 
der, M. D., and Fanny Richardson, his wife, both ot Wor- 




DAVID S. WILDER. 

cester County. He married Chloe H, Verry, of the same 



72 The Maumee Valley 



County, in March, 1837, and their golden wedding eleven 
years ago was an event very pleasantly remembered by 
their large circle of friends both at home and abroad. Dr. 
Wilder, his father, was a prominent man in his day — a 
staunch Abolitionist when such men were in a small mi- 
nority and needed all the courage of their convictions — an 
associate of Garrison and Phillips and a whole-souled phil- 
anthropist. His eldest son, David, inherited many of his 
sterling qualities. Whole-souled and liberal and interested 
in the early growth of Toledo, he has helped by his efforts 
and with his means to make our city what it is to-day. 

He came to Toledo in June, 1851, and was an active 
business man for many years, retiring from business more 
than twenty years ago, but has kept an interest in all pub- 
lic affairs, and with his wonderful memory and his clear, 
well stored mind, has been one of the tew left to this gen- 
eration who could recall the early history of this century, 
so wonderful in its progress and development. 



Pioneer Association. 



73 



]MB]V10Fei.A.L 



CHLOE HOLBROOK VERRY WILDER. 



Chloe Holbrook Verry Wilder was born in March, 
1816, in Mendon, (now Blackstone) Worcester County, 
Mass. 




CHLOE HOLBROOK VERRY WILDER. 

Her parents, Foster Verry and Rachael Holbrook, 



74 The Maumee Valley 



belonged to old and staunch New England families, whose 
descendants have helped to make our glorious state of 
Ohio one of the foremost in the Union in everything re- 
lating to the progress and elevation of mankind. A de- 
voted member oi Trinity church in its early history, promi- 
nently identified with all its charities and its social life, 
and unselfish in her devotion to everything that could 
promote the happiness of her family and the welfare of 
those who looked to her for assistance — the few old friends 
who are now left will recognize that this is but a feeble 
tribute to her sterling character and helpful life. Calm 
and unselfish when the hand of affliction has been laid 
heavily upon her — a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, 
and now a great-grandmother — her love goes out to all 
with the same unselfishness, and all those bound to her 
by the ties of blood or friendship feel that her life is an 
example and an inspiration. 

In the calm enjoyment ot their more than four score 
years, she and her worthy husband, surrounded by " Ev- 
erything that should accompany old age, " a connecting 
link between " the world that hardly seems our own " 
to-day, so wonderful have bee:n its changes, and a re- 
minder that a life spent in the fulfillment of life's duties 
brings a blessing to all and influence for all time. 



Pioneer Association. 75 



OF 
HON. S. C. CATELY. 

Since our last annual meeting at Antwerp, one of our 
oldest and most worthy members has been called to his 
final rest. 

Judge Socrates C. Cately was born in the town of 
New Haven, in Oswego County, N. Y., about 80 years 
ago. His father was a very poor man, with a large fam- 
ily of children, and young Socrates was " bound out " 
when about 12 years old to a Col. Heust, a fore handed 
farmer for those times, till he would be 21 years of age. 

He was a faithful and trusty boy, and a change in his 
wearing apparel was plainly seen soon after he entered 
upon his apprenticeship with his new master. He worked 
his time out with Col. Heust, and in 1836 came into the 
Maumee Valley, where he has since lived, near or quite 
58 years. He followed teaming till the Wabash canal 
was completed, when he followed canal-boating for sev- 
eral seasons. He was prudent, industrious and economi- 
cal, and in a tew years had money to, and he did, buy a 
tract of wild land in Fulton county. Over 50 years ago 
he married a Miss Nearing, whose father at one time lived 
in Texas, Henry county. Soon after his marriage he set- 
tled on his land, near Delta, and made a notable farm of 
it. Mr. Cately was the first probate judge of Fulton 
county, I believe, and held ihe office one term only, as the 
political sentiment of the people was on the wrong side 
for his re-election. 

Something over a year ago he celebrated his golden 
wedding. He died a few months ago, leaving a widow and 
children. He was an honored and worthy man and re- 
spected by all who knew him. 



76 The Maumee Valley 



MEMORIAL 

OF 
CAPT. W. H. WETMORE. 



Capt. W. H, Wetmore was born in Lewis county, in 
the state of New York, in 1819. He was the son of Ste- 
phen and Hannah Wetmore. 

Lewis county is situated in the northeast portion 
of the state of New York, in a cold, snowy region, and 
enterprising young men there would naturally feel in- 
clined when they arrived at their majority to seek more 
congenial climes. 

Our departed friend and brother did not wait till he 
was twenty-one, but at the age of eight€;en years he left 
his native heath for the west, as Ohio was thought to be 
in those days — 56 years ago. 

Capt. Wetmore for a number of seasons, so he told 
me, was the master of and sailed a vessel on Lake Erie, 
and in that way raised the means to buy him a home in 
Wood county, where he was a prominent, respected and 
very popular citizen lor 56 years. He was an honest, up- 
right, prudent, thrifty, social and an uncommonly active 
man, with an extensive acquaintance and well liked 
wherever known. 

He came to Wood county in 1837, and in 1842 pur- 
chased his farm of John Corvvin. 

In 1879 he was elected a representative to the Gen- 
eral Assembly of this state from Wood county, and re- 
elected in 1 88 1. During these two terms — the 64th and 
65th — he was diligent and watchful of the interests of his 
constituents, and understood their wants, was untiring to 
secure them, and did good service. He was one of the 



Pioneer Association. 77 



best representatives Wood county ever had in the Ohio 
Legislature — an honest worker for her good. 

In 1883 he retired to his (arm, with the intention to 
lead a quiet hfe for the remainder of his days, but in 1889 
his persistent and many friends induced him to be a can- 
didate for state senator, with WiUiam Guyser as his col- 
league. They were both defeated by John Ryan, of Lu- 
cas county, and W. W. Sutton, of Putnam, by small ma- 
jorities. 

Capt. Wetmore's wife died a number of years ago, 
leaving three children, Mrs. T. B. Oblinger, of Toledo ; 
Mrs. A. A, Cobley, of Haskins, and James R. Wetmore, 
oi Toledo, all ot whom are living. Capt. Wetmore be- 
longed to Pheonix Lodge, F. and A. M., of Perrysburg, 
and was a valued member thereof. 

I have not the date of his death, as the notice sent 
me had no date, but it says " Capt. W. H. Wetmore died 
suddenly yesterday afternoon at his home, about one mile 
east of Haskins, in Middleton township. Death is sup- 
posed to have resulted from heart trouble. He had been 
in about his usual health up to the time of his demise. 
Some of the family heard him make an unusual noise, 
and on going to him found him unconscious, and he im- 
mediately expired. 

Since his wife's death he has made it his home with 
A. A. Cobley, his son-in-law, where he died. In the death 
of Capt. Wetmore Wood county has met with an irrepar- 
able loss and Maumee Valley Pioneer Association with 
one of its most genial and worthy members. 

I hope this, as well as future obituary notices of de- 
ceased members, will be published in ail newspapers ot 
this valley. 



78 The Maumee Valley 



]VIE>]VIOFei.f^I^ 



OF 

ISAAC KARSNER. 



Isaac Karsner, a pioneer of the Maumee Valley and 
a member of this Association, died at Florida, Henry 
County, November i, 1891. He was born February 10, 
1821, in Harrison county, Va, and in 1830, when Isaac 
was nine yeas old, he came to Ohio with his father, who 
settled on a farm in Columbiana county. In 1840 the de- 
cedent came to Henry county and located at Florida, 
where he resided continuously up to the time of his death; 
and forever fifty-one years he was one of the leading and 
prominent men of that village. He came to Henry county 
a poor boy, when it was a vast wilderness, had his trials, 
tribulations, disappointments and struggles incident to a 
new country, heavily timbered as this was. But by his 
energy, "good common sense, firmness and perseverence,he 
succeeded in life far above the average pioneer. His early 
life was spent in hard labor. Some thirty years or more 
ago he practiced medicine. After this he embarked in 
the mercantile trade, and lor several years carried the 
largest and best stock of goods in Florida, till he sold out, 
built himself a splendid residence on his large farm of over 
200 acres at Florida, moved into it, and therein resided at 
the time of his death. Mr. Karsner was three times mar- 
ried. In the death of Isaac Karsner Henry county has 
lost a good citizen and the Maumee Valley Pioneer As- 
sociation a valued member. 



Pioneer Association. 79 



MEMORIAL 

OF 

CHARLES HORNING. 



Charles , Horning was born in Bavaria, Germany, 
about 72 years ago, and died in the spring of 1894. He 
came to Henry county with his father in the year 1837, 
and settled in Pleasant township, on the land where he 
recently died. When Charles Horning came to Henry 
county, 57 years ago, there were few neighbors, less com- 
forts and conveniences of life and no well improved farms 
in Henry county. He settled in a dense torest, but lived 
to see the change in his township irom an almost track- 
less wilderness to richly cultivated fields, owned by thrifty 
and prosperous farmers. 

Mr, Horning was an active, good, safe business man, 
and tor many years was engaged in merchandizing and 
" tavern keeping, " and he accumulated a large property. 
I have not been furnished with a sketch of his life, and do 
not know when, where or whom he married or the num- 
ber of children he left. He has a son who for many years 
has been a professor ot Heidelburg College, at Tiffin; Ja- 
cob Horning, a manufacturer and farmer; John H. Horn- 
ing, a merchant, and Peter Horning, a business man at 
New Bavaria, where he was born.. There were also sev- 
eral girls, but how many I am not advised. 

He lelt his entire estate to his worthy widow, who 
survives him. Charles Horning was one of the Henry 
county commissioners 43 years ago, and has held the 
same office within the last 20 years. He was postmaster 
for 39 years, for many years a justice of the peace of his 
township, and has held various other offices of trust, and 
in all of them discharged the duties thereof with an intel- 



80 The Maumee Valley 



ligent fidelity and the entire satisfaction of the people 
whom he served. 

He was also a land surveyor, and was well acquaint- 
ed with nearly every tract of land in his county. In an 
early day he was frequently called upon by strangers who 
wished to purchase, and went with them into the dark and 
dense forest to show them lands in the market. 

Every one who put up at his "tavern,". as we used to 
call it, was well and hospitably treated. 

Mr. Horning was a man of commanding influence in 
his community, and lived long enough to see his sons 
grow up to be honorable and prosperous men, and his 
death leaves a missing link in business circles not easily 
filled. 



Pioneer Association. 81 



CAPT. CHARLES A. ROWSEY. 



Capt, Charles A. Rowsey, a well-known pioneer resi- 
dent of Toledo celebrated his eighty-sixth birthday on Fri- 
day, August loth. Capt. Rowsey settled in Toledo 
when he was in his young manhood — being 2)7 years of 
age — that was in 1852. His birthplace is located in the 
celebrated Shenandoah Valley, at Staunton, Augusta 
County. In 1862 he responded to his country's call for 
defenders and was largely instrumental in raising and or- 
ganizing Co. D, ot the 67th O. V. I., and entered the field 
as captain of that company, and took part in the battle of 
Winchester, Va., March 23rd, 1862, and in the valley 
campaign of that year. 

No one of the citizens of Toledo holds a higher place 
in the esteem of their neighbors for honest worth and 
sturdy manhood than does Capt. Rowsey. Of him it can 
be truly said that his word is as good as his bond. 

Mrs. Rowsey, to whom he was married in 1838, died 
in 1889. One year previous to her death, with her hus- 
band she celebrated their golden wedding. Two sons, 
both deceased, and seven daughters have blessed their 
union. One of the sons was the well-known and well-be- 
loved physician, W. F. Rowsey, whose skill in healing 
was so generously exercised among the needy poor, and 
was sought by a very large body of the more favored 
citizens. 

Capt. Rowsey^s declining clays are crowded with 
memories of the most blessed character, and his face and 
bearing reflects the source and cause of most of them. 



82 



The Maumee Valley 



FIRST MAYOR OF WATERVILLE. 



J. E. Hall, one of the old and respected residents of 
Waterville, Lucas County, where he has made his home 
for over three score years. For a quarter of a century ot 





J. E. HALL. 

this time he conducted a tailoring establishment, after 
which for twenty years he was engaged in general mer- 
chandising, In i860 he erected a two-story building on 
the canal, where he carried on his trade. For one year 
he served as Mayor ol Waterville, when he first came to 



Pioneer Association. 83 



the place, and under Pierce's administration was appoint- 
ed Postmaster, and served as such for twenty-one years. 
He has also been Township Clerk and Member of School 
Board, 

Our subject is a native of Portage County, Ohio, 
having been born April i8th, 1816. His Parents were 
Joel and Betsy (Smith) Hall. His father was born in 
Tolland, Mass., and died in 1828, aged 52 years. His 
early days were spent on a tarm in his native state, but in 
181 5 he emigrated to Ohio, settling in Charlestown, Port- 
age County, having, in partnership with his brother, 
traded his Massachusetts land for property in the Buckeye 
State. 

Twelve children were born to Joel and Betsy Hall, 
but of the number two are living. In order of birth they 
are as follows: Clareson, Smith, Lucindai Judson, Min- 
erva, Joel, Pamelia, Chauncey, Edwin, Joseph E., Julia, 
wife of H. A. Moulton, of Vermont ; and Hewell C, late 
of Whitehouse. Joseph E , and his sister Julia are the 
only survivors of the family. 

Our subject spent his early days in farming during 
the summer season, and attended the district schools of 
the neighborhood in the winter terms until he reached his 
13th year. Going then to Ashtabula, Ohio, he began 
serving an apprenticeship at the tailor's trade, and gave 
his time thereto for the next five years. In 1836 he came 
to Lucas County, and opened a tailor shop at Waterville. 
About 1880 he sold out his business interests, and has 
since passed his time quietly in his pleasant home, which 
has sheltered him for many years. He has held the office 
of Treasurer of our Association for many years. He has 
been a Republican since the breaking out of the civil war. 
Religiously, he has long been identified with, and a lib- 
eral contributer to the Methodist Episcopal Church for 
over 40 years. The lady who has for over 50 years 
shared the joys and sorrows of Mr. Hall's career was be- 



84 The Maumee Valley 



fore her marriage Miss Jane Dee, a daughter of James 
and Abagail (Bogue) Dee. The ceremony which united 
the lives of our subject and wile was performed Septem- 
ber 1 2th, 1837. They had born to them two daughters, 
Pamelia C, August 13th, 1841, and Temperance L., June 
27th, 1850. The elder daughter became the wife of J. L. 
Pray, and died April 4th, 1881, leaving three children. 
The younger daughter is still living with her father. Mrs. 
Hall departed this life September 17th, 1889, deeply 
mourned by the family and the friends she had made dur- 
ing a long and unselfish life. 

Mr. Hall's activity is somewhat impaired, but he is still 
looking after his business which he has narrowed to an 
easy and concise management. M. D. P. 



Pioneer Association. 85 



PHILLIP BOYER. 



Phillip Boyer was born in Greencastle, Franklin 
County, Pa., in 1815, came to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 
in 1835, his trade being" that of a miller. He remained 
there three years and went to Zanesville, and after follow- 
ing his trade for a short time went to Akron. In 1846 he 
came to Toledo, and from there he removed to Waterville 
in 185 I and took charge of the Pekin Mills, which were 
owned by L. L. Morehouse, where he has spent the 
greater portion ot his active life. The mills have changed 
hands a number of times, Mr. Boyer being always trans- 
ferred with the property, and it may be said to his credit 
that much of the high reputation borne by the Pekin Mills 
can very properly be ascribed to his efficient work. 

He has retired from active business and enjoys the 
fruits of a well spent life. 



The Maumee Valley 



JOHN G. ISHAM. 



John G. Isham was born in Schoharil County, New 
York, December 9th, 18 15, came to Toledo in 1837 ^^^ 
after visiting several surrounding towns, among them be- 
ing Ft. Wayne and Monroe, he engaged in th(! dry goods 
business at the latter place with J. C. Miller, and soon 
after disposed of his stock and joined the engineer corps 
of the Michigan Southern Railroad. 

In February, 1840, he came to Waterville where he 
met McCagie Barker, an old acquaintance from the then 
far East, who had the contract for completing Section 29 
ol the Miami and Erie canal. This section lay between 
the Hutchinson larm and Maumee. Mr. Isham became 
foreman. From this on he became identified with the 
canal interest, holding many positions of trust, the last be- 
ing that of Superintendant of the Northern Division of the 

Miami and Erie canal. 



Pioneer Association. 87 



LIEUTENANT O. G, BALLOU. 

Orson Gilbert Ballou was born in Waterville, Ohio, 
September 15th, 1835. 

His boyhood was spent upon the farm. In July, 1862, 
he enhsted in the service of his country becoming a mem- 
ber ot Co. F, looth Regt., O.'jV. I., and soon aiter was made 
a Heutenant. On September 8th of 1863 a part of the regi- 
ment was sent to Limestone Station where he was cap- 
tured by the confederates and hurriedly sent to Richmond, 
Va., and was placed in Libby Prison. He died the 6th of 
February, 1864, from exposure and starvation. 

His is one of the many cases of unwritten history of 
the horrors of Southern military prisons. 



The Maumee Valley 



SARAH HALL. 

Sarah Hall was born in Coxsakie, Green County, 
New York, August 22nd, 181 7 ; removed with her parents 
to Waterville in the fall of 1836, where she has since 
resided. 

She was never married, but has given her services to 
the relief of suffering humanity for miles around. The 
cognomen, " Aunt Sarah, " by which she is familiarly 
called, is a household phrase, and while the infirmities in- 
cident to old age are struggling for the mastery, still Aunt 
Sarah's noble deeds are not forgotten. 



Pioneer Association. 



89 



JOHN A. CONWAY. 



The Association is very much pleased to present in 
this issue the genial and well-known features of a Mau- 
mee Valley pioneer octogenarian in the person of Mr. 




JOHN A. CONWAY. 



John A. Conway, who was born at Poughkeepsie, New 
York, December 25th, 1816. This will make him 82 



90 The Maumee Valley 



years oi age the 25th of December next. His father, 
John Conway, came to this country trom Ireland and set- 
tled near Utica, N. Y., in 181 2 and establis?ied the first 
woollen factory in that section. He died in 1824 when 
the subject of this sketch was but eight years of age. 
Young Conway came to Ohio in 1837 and was engaged 
in the carriage business for a time at both Dayton and 
Columbus. He came to Toledo in i860 and established 
himself in the carriage manufacturing business in a build- 
ing which stood on Summit street where the Meilink Fur- 
niture Co's store is now located. In 1864 he went into 
the restaurant business and in the manufacture ot tonics. 
He has been twice married — first to Miss Judith Wil- 
liams in 1849 — she died in 1873. His second wife was 
Harriet Dowd, of Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Conway live 
a quiet life respected and loved by all who know them. 
They have no children. Mr. Conway is a devoted Odd 
Fellow and has been a member of Columbus Lodge No. 
9, ot Columbus, Ohio, since 1849. He is also a member 
of Columbus Encampment No, 6. " May he live long 
and prosper " is the wish of his many friends. 



Pioneer Association. 91 



MRS. MARY ANN BONNY WHITE. 

Mrs, Mary Ann Bonny White was born at Palermo, 
Waldo County, Mass., September 22nd, 1805. Her 
father's name was Andrew Bonny and her mother's name 
was Mary Balcom. Mary Ann Bonny was married to 
Joseph White in Palermo, now a part of Maine, in 1822. 
They moved to Ohio in 1842, settled in Richland County 
in the Fall of the same year, and at a cost of $101 they 
moved to Lucas County ; arrived at Maumee October ist, 
Sunday, moved to the neighborhood in which they now 
live and moved in with Mr. Dyer. 

Mr. White's father was a soldier in the war of the Revo- 
lution and defended the flag at the battle of Bunker Hill. 
Joseph served in the war of 181 2 in Capt. Moses Bur- 
leigh Company and Lt. Col. John Cummings' Regiment 
raised at Palermo and served at Belfast, Maine. Joseph 
and Mary Ann White had one son and six daughters. 
The son, Andrew, went to sea and was not heard from 
afterwards. The daughters Nancy (Knapp), Milley, 
Mary Ann (Colburn), Olive (Cox), Elvira, Francis 
(Russel). Mary Bonny White belonged to Calvinist 
Baptist Church in Maine, there being no church of her 
choice in Ohio she had no membership here. 

Mr. White was a brick mason by trade. He cleared 
the farm and brought it to its present state of cultivation 
where Mrs. Bonny White now resides. 



92 The Maumee Valley 



MRS. MARY ANN KEELER. 



Mary Ann (Demuth) Keeler was born in the year 
1816, May I St in the Mohawk Valley in the state of New 
York, about 2)'^ miles from Albany on a farm. 

Her father, Ranatus Demuth was born in Pennsyl- 
vania, and was a cabinet maker by occupation. He was a 
member of the New York militia, and defended the United 
States flag at Sackett's Harbor against the British. They 
moved from the Mohawk Valley to Lockport. There she 
married Mr. David Keeler January ist, 1836 from whence 
they moved to Richland County, Ohio, where ten children 
were born to them. About 50 years ago they moved 
trom Richland County to Providence Township, Lucas 
County, where Mr. Keeler followed farming and threshing. 
He died in 1870. 

There are two sons and five daughters now living. Her 
son, Samuel, died November 7th, 1862, at Jackson, Tenn,, 
of disease, and was buried at Chattanooga. Mrs. Keeler 
has been a resident of Whitehouse for about 18 years, and 
is enjoying good health at the age of 82. 



Pioneer Association. 93 



ADAM BLACK. 

Among the actual surviving pioneers of the Maumee 
Valley we are pleased to refer to Mr. Adam Black, of 
Monclova, Lucas County. He was born April 23rd, 
18 1 1, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. He came with 
his parents, William and Anna (Bails) Black to Wayne 
County in 1826. Mr, William Black, his lather, was a 
soldier and served with Gen. Wm. H. Harrison at Fort 
Meigs. He died at the age of 52 and was buried in 
Holmes County. Mr. Adam Black came to Lucas Coun- 
ty in 1827 and late:r settled on the land now comprising 
his homestead, on which he has lived since 1836. He 
married Miss Anna Bails in Monclova May 26th, 1836, 
and has raised a family ot nine children— six sons and 
three daughters — Catherine, Sarah, John, William, James, 
Madison, Emanuel. Died in infancy: George B., Adam 
M. and Lydia A. 

Mr. Black has been diligent and useful in his neigh- 
borhood, has helped to subdue a wild country, and, like 
so many others, has made a beautiful homestead out of 
the natural forest. He has held positions of trust and 
responsibility — has served his neighbors as well as his 
family, and is enjoying the peace of a well spent life. He 
has usually voted the democratic ticket, and his church 
associations are with the Disciples. He is enjoying ex- 
cellent health at the age of dty. 



94 The Maumee Valley 



LIFE AMONG THE INDIANS IN THE MAUMEE VALLEY. 

BY 
JOHN COWDRICK, OF NAPOLEON. 



About April ist, 1831, my father, Joseph Cowdrick, 
and wife with four children, of which I was the oldest, left 
Cedar Creek, Ocean County, New Jersey, for the Maumee, 
then the far west. With their household effects loaded 
onto a two horse covered wagon, traveling as was the 
custom then, bunking on the floor at the taverns along 
the road, doing our own cooking, etc. The journey oc- 
cupied about one month's time. We emerged from the 
Black Swamp, landing at Perrysburg, May 5th, 1831. 
The appearance was most beautiful. We crossed the 
Maumee over to Maumee City and proceeded down the 
river to Presque Isle and got permission to stay a short 
time with an old man by the name of Parsons, who was^ 
living alone. The streets of Maumee seemed alive with 
Indians, in every conceivable style of attire, some extreme- 
ly gay and rich, others just the opposite. The flats along 
the river were dotted with fish shanties, the fishermen 
spreading their seines to dry; the piles of undressed fish 
shining in the sun on one hand, and the young corn with 
background of forest on the other, formed a scene on that 
beautiful May morning that was very picturesque, if not 
enchanting, and which made a lasting impression on the 
memory. In a short time we moved up to Waterville 
where my father worked at wagon making with Mr. 
Eberly, who is now living at Portage, Wood County, 
this State. 

About three years since at a meeting of the pioneers 
at the Fallen Timbers battle ground, a man said that he 
rode a horse through the river along in the thirties and 



Pioneer Association. 95 



that the: fish were so numerous in these ripples that his 
horse stepped on and killed many, the fish being so 
crowded in the shallow water that they could not get 
away. This was referred to a few days later in Napoleon 
as a capital fish story. Another citizen present, well 
known, averred that along about 1840 he was a passenger 
on a side wheel steamer, and that near the mouth of the 
river she encountered a school of fish so thick as to stop 
the action of the paddle wheels, and the steamer could 
not move until the fish had scattered. The gentleman no 
doubt is ready to verify it if called to do so. 

The Indians were quite an interesting study for the 
" new comer," and an important factor in the fur trade. 
The Ottawas had a village about ten miles up the river 
from Maumee City on their twelve miles square reserva- 
tion, where they staid in the summer and early fall, rais- 
ing corn and drying sufficient for their winter's hunting 
expedition. With fishing, selling baskets, berries and 
honey to the white settlers, some on the trail to and from 
Maumee, they all seemed to be full of business. 

They would always, either going or returning, stop 
at Turkeyfoot Rock on what is known as Wayne's Battle 
Ground, and offer their homage to the Indian Chief 
Turkeyfoot, who was shot in the battle with Mad Anthony 
'Wayne, and expired while leaning on this rock cheering 
his braves to the last. They would put whiskey and to- 
bacco around the rock, and cry the most freely when the 
most drunken. 

When at their villages during the summer the In- 
dians would bring to trade with the whites, huckleberries, 
strawberries, plums, apples, honey, baskets (of small 
size) painted in gay colors, of their own make from roots 
and bark, done by the squaws, whose ingenuity was won- 
derful, especially so in the making of moccasins trimmed 
with braided porcupine quills. The berries were carried 
in a mocock made of bark shaped like a handbox, holding 



96 The Maumee Valley 



nearly a half bushel, two ol these, one on either side of 
the pony, the squaw on her pack saddle (astride) with her 
papoose tied with its back to a board, pinioned fast on her 
own back, while the motion of the pony gave the child a 
perpendicular " jig-it-a-jig," which was amusing. The 
mother would stand the papoose board against the side 
ot a house or room while trading, seeming not concerned 
about the baby, who seldom cried or laughed. They were 
pretty little things, and as Mrs. Parthington would say 
" Humane Beings." The Indians would often bring to 
sell a pair of venison hams, lying across his pony, not 
caring that his bare thighs were in contact with the meat; 
the trader would take them all the same. 

The Indians would quickly discover a stranger, and 
when meeting one would ride up squarely before him and 
say in broken tongue, " where you go?" mention name of 
any place ahead of you, and they would let you go on your 
way, perhaps to meet with the same kind of annoyance 
again. They usually carried in their belt tomahawk and 
knife. They always traveled single file, one after another, 
and the trails about the villages were worn down deep 
along the hillsides, one-half or two feet in depth. When 
leaving a temporary camp they would leave some dried 
meat and parched corn for a hungry Indian when one or 
more came that way, which would show that they had had 
good luck in hunting while there. The Indians would 
walk right in among the goods when trading, and the 
trader must not object or they would be Scottish (mad). 
They would not steal unless very hungry, and then would 
take no more than they would eat at the time. When 
coming into a house in cold weather they would turn their 
feet away from the fire so as not to warm their moccasins, 
as they would keep them cold or frozen, or they would 
have wet feet. When the Indian became hungry he would 
tighten his belt, if more hungry, would button up another 
hole. Sometimes he would become very slim. 



Pioneer Association. 97 



When after deer they would by this means with little 
to eat run all day. They did not hunt much on horse- 
back ; they hampered their ponies by tying the fore legs 
together with a bark braided rope, leaving a space be- 
tween so they could stand easily, and they would hop 
about with ease and were in no danger of becoming 
entangled. 

About the first of October the Indians would leave 
their villap'es along- the river for the huntings grrounds — the 
great unbroken forest westward along the banks of the 
Turkeyfoots, and now comprising the greatest part of 
Henry and Fulton Counties. They took nothing along 
for horse feed, as the ponies could well subsist on the rich 
grass growing in the swales ; as tor the Indians them- 
selves, the dried corn was their bread and the wild game 
their meat. 

In the spring the Indians would come from their 
hunting grounds to their sugar camps along the river and 
creeks. Here they would make maple sugar, using bark 
peeled from the trees for troughs ; they would also con- 
struct some very beautiful canoes from the same kind of 
material, each family occupying one canoe when traveling. 
In the larger boats cargoes of fur and sugar were taken 
as far north as Detroit, where they found a ready market. 
Indian syrup was supposed to be well cleansed, as they 
boiled their game in the sap, and small bones were fre- 
quently found in the sugar. At one time a land-seeker at 
a tavern while at the table removed the skull of a chip- 
munk from the sugar bowl with his spoon. In the spring- 
time these fleets of bark canoes would run the rapids safe- 
ly with their rich cargoes and happy occupants, returning 
to their villages about the different rapids with their apple 
trees (these trees were supposed to have been planted by 
Johnnie Appleseed, as well as the groves of wild plum), 
the season of fish and berries, and honey and basket-mak- 



98 The Maumee Valley 



ing, for barter with the whites. With the Indian the ap- 
ple was considered marketable as soon as the seeds were 
formed. 

Spring- and summer were the times of iestivities with 
the Tawas. Their dances were to them great events. On 
these occasions some of their fleetest ponies were used to 
go to Maumee for whiskey, and if the case was very ur- 
gent two Indians would occupy one pony, one to navigate 
the horse, the other to carry the skins containing the whis- 
key. The animals were urged through the ten miles and 
return at a rate of speed which proved them to have both 
speed and endurance. At this time the Indians, all mem- 
bers of the several families, including dogs, went about the 
ist of June of each year to Maiden, Canada, and received 
an annuity or pension, granted them as allies ot the Cana- 
dians in the war of 1812, between the United States and 
Great Britain, consisting of camp equipments, guns, blank- 
ets and silver trinkets of various kinds. One thing among 
these, very conspicious, was a plug hat with many silver 
bands around it ; this was worn exclusively by the aristo- 
cratic squaws. One never saw an Indian with a plug hat on. 

The Indians were generally friendly to the whites, 
but sometimes troublesome when drunk. Have heard an 
old squaw boast of having carried fagots to burn General 
Crawford. But if you would talk to them of Mad An- 
thony Wayne, they would at once become serious and 
peaceable, for they feared he would rise from the dead and 
punish them. In this summer of 1831, at Waterville, an 
Indian tried to get into the house to kill my mother. Wil- 
liam Pray helped to hold the door, the Indian meanwhile 
stabbing it with his long knife. My lather came to the 
rescue. The Indian thought my father had whipped and 
abused him previous to this, but when the Indian chief ex- 
plained to him that he was mistaken, that another man 
had whipped him and not my father, he was all right, and 



Pioneer Association. 99 



afterwards came to our cabin in the woods, where he got 
some food and slept by the fire until morning, with a knif(i 
and tomahawk by him, and showed no inclination to do 
harm. Generally when there was trouble with the Indian 
the white man was equally to blame. 

It was the custom with the Indians before leaving the 
village to go to Maumee, or Acabaugwak (Ft. Meigs), to 
appoint one of their number to remain sober until their re- 
turn, as they anticipated a high time. 

On this occasion the lot fell upon a young squaw. 
Upon their return homeward they (a dozen or more) 
stopped under a shade tree near Waterville to have a pow- 
wow and more whiskey. Other boys and myself followed 
up for sightseeing, and soon discovered that they were 
mad and showed signs of fight. The young Indian wo- 
man, being the only sober one among them, quickly 
twitched the knife from the belt of each Indian and put 
them in her blanket or bosom; they soon grasped for their 
knives, but found them not. They seemed greatly en- 
raged, but made no attempt to attack the squaw, who 
stood with arms folded, faithful to the trust reposed in her. 
They soon calmed down and moved on toward the village. 

In the fall the newcomers, as they called us, began to 
shake every day, every alternate day and sometimes every 
third day, the latter being the worst form of ague and the 
hardest to break. Not one of the family was able to help 
the other to a drink of water. The two physicians, White 
and Conot, could not visit their patients very olten, their 
territory extending over such a broad area. It seemed 
little use to take calomel or quinine while the atmosphere 
was full of malaria, the rank vegetation almost checking the 
flow of low water in the river. The diet of the sick too 
often consisted of fish and corn-bread, drinking spring or 
river water with the wrigglers strained out — oh, the suffer- 
ing, from want of suitable nourishment! — no lemons, no 



100 The Maumee Valley 



fruit. One old man declared that he shook so with ague 
that he grasped the rungs of the chair, and, holding up 
his feet, the chair would hop all over the room with him. 
But it was soon too serious a matter to joke over. My 
mother baked bread from flour brought from Monroe, 
Mich., and carried a loaf four miles to Mr. Hedge's fam- 
ily. (They afterwards lived in the stone house on Wolf 
Rapids, now erroneously called by some the Old Mission 
Building.) The family were all sick, and needed proper 
nourishment more than medicine. It cost 25 cents post- 
age on a letter, and if the postage was not prepaid it was 
often difficult to raise the amount. A man now well 
known in Napoleon (John Wilson), who came here later 
on, was compelled to leave a letter in the office a long 
time for want of 45 cents to pay postage — and the letter 
was from home, in the old country. 



Pioneer Association. 101 



WM. HENRY SHEPHERD. 



Wm. Henry Shepherd (every one calls him "Harry" 
Shepherd) is past 85 years old. Born February nth, 
1813 in Marietta, Ohio. 

His father, Daniel Shepherd, came from New Eng- 
land. His mother. Comfort Webb Shepherd was born in 
Clarksburg, Va. He is one of a family of 14 children, 
eight of whom lived to be very old. 

Matilda died at the age of 87, Elizabeth at 88, Martin 
at 89, Nutter at y/, Daniel at 84, Stephen at 72 and Syl- 
vester at 66. 

All these were buried in Henry County, near Grand 
Rapids, Ohio. Harry is the only one of the family living. 
The other brothers and sister died at various places and 
ages. W. H. Shepherd, our subject, was married at Mar- 
ietta, O., March 25th, 1835, to Ellen Conner. To them 
were born five children while living in Athens County. 
He came to Wood County with his family in 1854. His 
daughters, Cynthia and Katherine are still living at home 
with their father. 

His sons, who were the support of the parents, never 
returned from the war of the rebellion. Ben was in the 
68th O. V. I., and was killed in battle. Dan and Ed 
were in the looth O. V. I. 

Dan took sick and died at Knoxville, and Ed was 
killed by very poor grub at Andersonville. Mr. Shep- 
herd draws a "dependent pension" to support him in his 
old days. His eyesight is failing and he is beginning to 
show his age. 

He always was a Whig and Republican and voted 
for W. H. Harrison and for his grandson, Ben Harrison. 



102 The Maumee Valley 



JAMES WHELAND. 

James Wheland is 80 years old. Born in Oxford 
Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, on the bank of the 
Tuscarawas river. He had five brothers and five sis- 
ters. He is the fourth one of the family of 11 and 
only two of his brothers are now living-, both in Tuscar- 
awas County, where they were born, and both younger 
than himself. 

On February 24th, 1842, Mr. Wheland married Miss 
Mary Stocker. They have four children, all living. 
Sophia Sheffield, born May, 1844; Benjamin, born 1847; 
Joseph B., born December 12th, 1850; and Elizabeth 
Bortle, born July 31st, 1854, all living at Grand Rapids, 
Ohio. 

He never lost any of his family. He has five grand- 
children and three great-grandchildren. He tells many 
stories of wolves, deer and almost unbroken forest as he 
first remembers Tuscarawas County. Plows with wood 
mouidboards and flails have improved into the steel riding 
plow and the seperators and clover hullers. He saw the 
first boat ever run on the Ohio canal, they called it " Hen- 
ry Clay." He also saw them build the Pan Handle 
railroad. 

Mr. Wheland takes great interest in all the new im- 
provements and developments. He has never been out 
of the great state of Ohio and perhaps will remain here 
until he is called away to "that beautiful land. " 

He enjoys good health for his age and is good com- 
pany. He lives two miles south of Grand Rapids and is 
very highly respected by all who know him. He has al- 
ways voted Democratic and has been a member of the 
United Brethren church for many years. " 



Pioneer Association. 10." 



NEARLY A NONOGENARIAN. 



Mr. Lewis Eastwood, of Waterville, is an active wit- 
ness o{ the healthful atmosphere of the Maumee Valley. 
For sixty-six years he has enjoyed the vigorous and rigor- 
ous seasons of this locality. He was a son of John and 
Polly (White) Eastwood, and first saw light in Rensselaer 
County, State of New York, Jan. 26th, 1809. His father 
spent his early life at sea. After " A life on the ocean 
wave " of ten years, his father married, then at the age of 
21, and took up his shipbuilders' trade and earned enough 
money to purchase a farm, and became a farmer. Lewis' 
mother died while he was an infant. 

He came to Waterville, Lucas County, in 1832, and 
in 1834 and 1835 he was constable of Waterville. He was 
married to Miss Amanda M. Hall in 1838. Mr. Eastwood 
was engaged in teaching school in the village among the 
very early teachers. He was also e;ngaged in gardening 
on the grounds now occupied by cottage homes, and was 
a good mechanic, having built the first gothic residence in 
the community. He also built the Union Hotel, where 
he kept hotel for 29 years ; a portion of the time also kept 
groceries. During the active canal times, when "Doyle 
& Dickey's " Packet line was the " rapid transit, " his 
patronage was quite brisk, and an air of activity prevailed 
that has not been since the cruel interposition of the Wa- 
bash railroad. Mr. Eastwood was quite prominent in bee 
culture and wrote numerous articles on apiary. 

He was blessed with five children, two sons and three 
daughters. His eldest daughter, Ellen, married Mr. Geo. 
Lattcham, and is living near the homestead, near Water- 
ville. John became a soldier in the war of the rebellion 



104 The Mau7nee Valley 



and served in the Fourteenth O, V. I. from April to Au- 
gust, in i86i,and through the service of the One Hun- 
dreth O. V. I. After the war he took up the jewelry bus- 
iness, lost his health and died at Hillsdale a few years 
since. Angeline married Mr. Oscar W. Ballou, and is liv- 
ingf on a fine fruit farm at Waterville. Asa also became a 
soldier, and served in a New York Battery of Light Ar- 
tillery in the war of the rebellion, and now is on the home- 
stead, making the home of the venerable subject of our 
sketch. Mrs. Eastwood died at this home several years 
ago. 

Mr. Eastwood was a promoter ot patriotism and en- 
couraged integrity. In politics he was a Whig, and later 
a Republican. 

Mr. and Mrs. Eastwood were among the earliest com- 
municants of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. E. keeps 
up his faithful attendance when health and circumstances 
permit. 

But few men have lived to see the development of a 
wild country to a greater degree than Mr. Eastwood. The 
following communication was received by our former sec- 
retary about three years ago: 

Waterville, O., May 22, 1896. 

Mr. Denison B. Smith. Toledo, O: 

Dear Sir — With regard to reminiscences of early pi- 
oneer life in the Maumee Valley, I will relate the following 
from actual experience, not hearsay. At the time ot the 
dispute about the boundary between Michigan and Ohio, 
a company was raised in Waterville to go and fight the 
Michiganders. A meeting was held on the pjablic square, 
then occupied as a mill yard. Col. Van Fleet, who was in 
command, mounted a saw log and made a speech, in which 
he hoped to see patriotism enough by volunteers so he 
would not have to resort to the draft. 



Pioneer Association. 105 



The greatest valor displayed by that company was 
said to be the storming of a warehouse and capturing a 
barrel of whiskey, with which some of the volunteers cov- 
ered themselves with glory. I was one ot those that stayed 
at home, subject to the draft, which happily was not need- 
ed, as the war was very short. 

But Ohio thought her rights had been invaded, and 
she ought to show proper resentment, so at the next term 
of court, held at Perrysburg, the grand jury was instructed 
to find bills of indictment against a number of Michigan 
people who had invaded the disputed territory. I was a 
member of that grand jury, the only one left. I was the 
youngest one, and just 60 years ago. I came to this place 
in 1832, with not much but honest intentions and what 
Alexander Pope called " A dangerous thing. " I know of 
no man who was active at the time now living. 

In my case I have exhibited a weak and puny child, a 
blind boy Irom 9 to 14, a sickly youth, a weakened man- 
hood and a vigorous old age. 

Now what is left for me but to — 

Hope humbly, then with trembling pinions soar, 
Wait the great teacher, Death, and God adore. 

I thank you very much for your kind expressions and 
patience with me. Most truly yours, 

Louis Eastwood. 



106 The Maumee Valley 



JOHN H. FISHER 

Was born in Orleans County, New York, December 
17, 1818, and came to Toledo in 1842, Engaged in canal 
boating. Came to Grand Rapids and married Charlotte 
Gruber in 1848. Their golden wedding, celebrated last 
winter, was the greatest social event ever enjoyed in the 
vicinity. Mr. Fisher has been engaged in merchandizing, 
lumbering and farming, and now lives on his beautiful 
farm adjoining town. His father, Peter Fisher, and his 
mother, both lived to be 90. His maternal grandmother 
was 102. One brother, Christopher, lived to be 82. His 
parents and brother died near Battle Breek, Mich. 

Mr. Fisher tells of hunting rabbits and ducks where 
Toledo now is and saw a deer shot where the Burnett 
House now stands. 

They have one daughter, Mrs. Lillian Williamson, ot 
Bowling Green. 

Mr. Fisher delights to tell that he has taken "The 
Toledo Blade" for 46 years. You don't need to ask his 
politics. He is a member oi the Presbyterian church. 
Prospects are good for many years of life yet, as he is very 
active, doing his share of farm work with any ot them, and 
his hair is scarcely turning gray yet. 



Pioneer Association. 107 



87 YEARS OLD AND ACTIVE. 



Samuel Shaffner makes his home at his daughter's, 
Mrs. W. A. Kinney, near Grand Rapids, O. Mr. Shaff- 
ner was born in Dauphin County, Pa., December 1 1, i8i i. 
Came to Ohio in 1829, to Crawford County, one mile east 
of Bucyrus. In September, 1834, he moved to Holmes 
township, three miles north of Bucyrus, and lived and 
voted there 50 years. His father was d>T^ when he died. 
One uncle and other relatives lived to be 93. His 
father was married three times. First family nine chil- 
dren, seven living, of which Samuel is one. Four of 
the seven are in their eighties. The second family was 
three children, of whom two are living. The third family 
consisted ot nine children, of whom seven are living. So 
you see out of a family of twenty-one children, sixteen 
are still living and four of them past 80 years old. 

Mr. Shaffner has one brother in Tiffin, O., one in 
Bloomville, O., one sister in Van Wert and one in Craw- 
ford County, at Wingert's Corners. 

Mr. Shaffner has spent most of his time near Grand 
Rapids for the past twenty years with his son, Martin, and 
later with his daughter, Mrs. Kinney. 

He cast his first vote in 1832 for Jackson. How 
many now living voted for Jackson? Raise your hands. 

Mr, Shaffner is strictly temperate and sometimes votes 
the prohibition ticket. He never uses tobacco, is well, 
active and can walk farther and faster than most men of 
60. 

He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church when 21 
years old and is a pillar in the church to this day. 



108 The Maumee Valley 



83 YEARS OLD AND WELL AND HEARTY. 



Mrs. Nancy Sparling has been living near Grand 
Rapids for 26 years. Her father, William Smith, for 
many years lived near Loudonville, O., and was well 
known and very highly respected by all who knew him. 

Her grandfather came from Germany and served for 
seven years in the Revolutionary war. 

Mrs. Sparling was born December i, 181 5, near 
Loudonville, in Holmes county, and married Daniel Spar- 
ling. They remained in the same vicinity until 1872 when 
they came to Grand Rapids. Mr. Sparling died several 
years ago, but Mrs. Sparling is hale and hearty, always 
has good health and now weighs over 200 pounds. One 
daughter, Mrs. Stump, now deceased, weighed 330 
pounds, another daughter, Mrs. Stocker, deceased, was 
only medium or rather under the common size and 
weight. 

She has one son living, Basil (Bez.) Sparling, who is 
a very successful farmer, and delights in raising the 
finest stock in the country. 

Mrs. Sparling delights in telling of her father, who 
never went in debt. He never bought anything until he 
could pay for it. No wonder he was so highly spoken of 
by every one. 



Pioneer Association. 109 



A VETERAN AND MAGISTRATE. 



Isaac Brock Snively is 84 years old. 

Was born near St. Catherines, Canada, in 18 14, and 
was married October 29, 1836. 

Came to Canton, Ohio, in 1838. His second marriage 
occurred on October 18, 1842. He came to Grand Rap- 
ids, Ohio, in August, 185 1. 

Was a chair and cabinetmaker, and was elected sev- 
eral times justice ot the peace. He served three years in 
Company D., iiith O. V. I. He has a good memory, 
and can tell many thrilling war stories. He was wounded 
at the battle of Franklin. He is lame from injury by an 
army mule falling on him in 1864. Republican in politics. 
He has been a member oi the Presbyterian church for 23 
years. 

He has three grandchildren living. He is now living 
with friends near Grand Rapids and draws a pension. 



110 The Maumee Valley 



FREDERICK SALTZ. 



Frederick Saltz is nearly 83 years old and has lived 
at Grand Rapids 26 years. He was born in Fairfield 
County, Ohio, where New Baltimore now stands. 

When 16 years old his folks moved to Licking Coun- 
ty. At the age of 21 he left home and went to Indiana, 
and after remaining there two years he came to Adams 
County and married Katie Neft. They lived in Adams 

County three years, then went to Fairfield County, where 
they remained until 1872, when he came to Wood County. 

Mrs. Frederick Saltz was born in Fairfield County in 
1 8 19 and is nearly 80 years old. 

Fred Saltz and Katie Neff were married in 1839 and 
they raised five children, all still living. Mrs. Bowers, the 
oldest, born in 1840, lives in Petoskey, O., Minerva Right- 
ley, born in 1842, lives in Morris County, Kansas ; Royal 
B. Saltz, born 1844, lives in Grand Rapids, O.; Clara 
Mosier, born 1847 lives in Grand Rapids, O., Nora, born 
1849, at home with her parents mostly. Mr. and Mrs. 
Saltz united with the United Brethren Church in 1842 and 
have always been faithful members and true Christians in 
every respect. Kind and generous to everybody, no 
tramp or hungry traveler ever was refused a meal of 
victuals at their door. How many can say that ? 

Mrs. Saltz is still able to look- after her cows and 
chickens, but Mr. Saltz is getting slow and uncertain of 
step, and only waiting to get fully ripe before being gath- 
ered in. He is a faithful Democrat, only missing one 
election, the day he was on the road to Wood County. 
He could not go Greely so he moved that day instead ot 
going to election. 



Pioneer Association. Ill 



DAVID HOCKMAN. 



David Hockman came to Grand Rapids, O., in 1830 
with his brother Joseph and each one entered 160 acres 
in Henry County. They got something to eat at the 
" Howard House, " still standing just east of the town. 

Not a tree was cut where the town now stands, un- 
less it was a coon tree. James Donaldson and Emanuel 
Arnold were the only families on Beaver Creek at that 
time. 

Mr. Hockman was born on a farm where Lancaster 
now stands, in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 9th, 1813, 
and is now past 85 years old. 

His father, Henry Hockman, lived to be 70 years old 
and his mother, Rebekah (Dellinger) Hockman, 78 or 80, 
His brothers Henry and Jacob died at the age of 70 and 
Joseph j6. 

His sister, Katie Hite, lived to be 82 and Lydia Bab- 
bitt lived to be 70. Elizabeth, the wi(e of Jacob Fall, is 
still living in Missouri, aged 80. 

Mr. Hockman married Frances Huber at Lancaster, 
O., in 1835 ^1^^ came to Henry County with his family in 
1 841. His son, Isaac, died when 23 years old, leaving 
three children, David, Washington and Frances, now liv- 
ing in the oil fields of Wood County. His daughter, 
Elizabeth, now lives at McClure, Ohio, the widow ol x^m- 
brose Cook, who was killed by a train on the railroad 
track. David Hockman's second wife was Margaret 
Erven, and they have one daughter, Sadie, now living at 
Lancaster, Ohio, with her two boys, David and Ray i\r- 
nold. Sadie is the widow of the late Prof. D. C. Arnold. 
David Hackman was a successful farmer and a very good, 
kind neighbor ; too kind to others for his own good. He 
was a Republican in politics and Presbyterian in religion. 



112 The Maumee Valley 



JOHN RINKENBERGER. 



Is now 82 years 0I4 and lives in Grand Rapids, O. 
He was born in Wurtumburg, South Germany, October 
9th, 1 8 16 and came to America in 1848. He lived in Erie 
county, Pa., three years; lived in Sandusky county, Ohio, 
ten years and came to Wood county in the spring of 1862 
where he has lived ever since. 

His wife died April 6th, 1897. They raised a family 
of seven children, four of whom are now living. Mrs. 
Mary Daniel livens in Bowling Green, and has seven 
children; Mrs. Effie Morris lives in Ottawa, Kansas, and 
has three children; Mrs. Lizzie Steininger lives in Weston, 
Ohio, with four children; Mrs. Rebekah Yarnell lives in 
Steubenville, Ohio. 

Mr. Rinkenberger is in fair health for one of his age, 
reads German without spectacles, 'but uses them when 
reading English. He is well educated and is an excellent 
Bible scholar. He has been a member of the Evangelical 
Church since 1850 and is a Republican in politics, 



Pioneer Association. 113 



ZELOTES SHERBURNE. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Wheelock, Vt , May 5, 
1818. His ancestors resided at Stonyhurst, in the north of England, 
and came to America about the year 1700, landing at Portsmouth, 
N. H. A great-uncle lost his life in the French and Indian war, and 
his grandfather, James Sherburne, was a soldier of the Revolution 
removing to Vermont in 1786. His father, Henry Sherburne was 
married to Hannah Dunbar, to whom was born fourteen children, ten 
of whom reached maturity. His boyhood days were spent among 
the hills and snowdrifts of Vermont, chopping wood in winter, with 
only a barley biscuit for lunch, and making maple sugai" in spring, 
and in his twentieth year, in company with his father, came to Ohio 
driving four horses attached to a sled the entire distance, the only 
difficulty being not bare roads, but, too much snow. His father bought 
the farm where the village of Wellington, Lorain County, now 
stands, where he lived till his death. Zelotes was married in 1848 to 
Mary R. Brown, and began housekeeping in LaGrange. In 1851 he 
bought a farm in Pittsfield township, two miles south of Oberlin, and 
lived there two years, when he moved to Oberlin and lived there a 
year, working at the carpenter's trade. In 1851 he again moved to 
Pittsfield, where he lived, farming and making brick till 1861, when 
he sold out and bought a farm near Eochester depot, where he lived 
five years, being elected at one time as Justice of the Peace and serv- 
ing as Assessor. In 1866 he sold his farm in Eochester and removed 
to Hillsdale, Mich., where he staid three yeai'S, removing thence to 
Ottawa Lake, but, driven from there by ague at the end of nine 
months, he traded his farm for property in Centerton, Huron Co., 
O., where, after a three months staj^, he removed to Eandolph Co., 
Ind. living there one year and in Jay County two years, and in 1873 
again removing to Ohio, landing in Milton Center, Wood Co., where 
he lived ten years, farming and working at carpentry, also running 
a sorghum molasses mill in its season. In 1883 he moved to Lucas 
County, one and one-quarter miles west of NVhitehouse, where he 
still resides. In this county he has served his township (Swauton) 
as Trustee and Justice of the Peace. He was converted at the age 
of seventeen, and united with the Fiee Will Baptist Church, to the 
prin'iiples of which chui'ch he still adheres, though being a member 
of the Methodist Prote>:l;iiit Church at this writing. To Mr, and Mrs. 
Sherburne were born .six chihlren, five of whom are still living: 
Henry Zelotes, Hattie -May, George Wayland, Eansom Brown and 
John Colby. 



114 The Maumee Valley 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association has for its fandimental 
purjiose the cultivation of a more intimate knowledge of and an 
interest in the great events which are of such- varied character, that 
have made the Valley historical, and to more especially perpetuate 
the memories of the hardy pioneers by whose labors and sacrifices 
the greater part ot our present success in agricultural and commer- 
cial pursuits, and of our intellectual, religious and social development 
have been largely attained. No citizen of the Maumee Valley whose 
life work has been bounded by the number of years necessary to 
class him or her as a pioneer but has had some part in making our 
history what it is. The many quiet, painstaking and faithful lives 
who have here and there dropped a kind word, or done an unre- 
corded good deed, have in the aggregate of such, supplied the real 
substance of the true success we have secured. 

During the past year the death record has been enlarged by the 
names of many of whom this can be said with much emphasis — 
Many of them were born, reared and died in our Valley and have 
left sweet memories in the hearts of surviving children and friends 
that it would not be violating the sanctity of the home to place such 
memories on record with this neighbor association, many members 
of which would thereby be enabled to cary with them to the privacy 
of their homes the written record of lives, from whom they have 
been long separated by many social changes, so inevitable, as we 
can all fully testify, in the life of man. 

While looking over this records of such, attention has been 
called to a number of our pioneers who have passed the four-score 
year life mark and are still with us, whose presence and smile is a 
benediction to all with whom they come in contact. 

The names of those mentioned in this pamphlet are only of such 
as have come to mind during the few weeks that the matter of men- 
tioning such names has been under consideration and therefore is 
necessarily very incomplete. It is hoped that before next year we 
may be supplied with the records of many others. 

Anna Jones Lillelund was born in Newport, Monmothshire, South 



Pioneer Association. 115 



Wales, December 12th, 1809. She came to America with he parents 
in 1832, settling for a time in New York City where she met and 
was married to Nelson M. Lillelund, in 1836. With her husband 
she removed to near Dayton in this state in 1841 and to Toledo in 
1850 where she has resided continuously since. Her husband died 
in 1880. Two sons and four daughters, all of whom are living, will 
perpetuate her memory. An interesting photograph is shown by 
her of four generations, viz: herself, her daughter, granddaughter 
and great-granddaughter. Mrs. Lillelund has been from early life 
an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but the catho- 
licy of her Christian spirit is such that the neighborhoods in which 
she has resided have felt that they had a warm supporter of every 
Christian work no matter by what denomination it was fostered. 
Her whole life work has been a benediction to all with whom she 
has came in contact with. This is particularly marked in her con- 
nection with the younger classes with whom she will be as long as 
life shall last a prime favorite. 

Nicholas Neuhausel, Sr., was born January 1st, 1810, in Ober 
Eoden, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. In the thickly settled portions 
of Europe many of the tillers of the soil also follow other pursuits. 
Mr. Neuhausel's father besides being a farmer was a tailor, and he 
duly instructed and brought up his son to follow that occupation, 
which he did. There were four brothers and two sisters in the 
family, three of the brothers in seeking a locality in which to settle 
for life removed to the south of France, while the subject of our 
sketch in July 1852, came to America, first settling in Baltimore, 
Maryland. He had been married previously to Miss Anna Mary 
Becker in 1833, He came to Toledo in 1858 and has since resided 
in that city an honored citizen, practicing industry, frugality and 
all those virtues that help so much to secure obedience to law by the 
community and love and honor among men. 

Five sons and two daughters who are all living and are all 
residents of Toledo, cheer his old age with their care and attention. 
Four of the sons constitute the pioneer dry goods firm of Neuhausel 
Bros. Mrs. Neuhausel, with whom he walked in life for 51 years 
and with whom he celebrated their golden wedding in 1883, passed 



116 The Maumee Valley 



from life to the rewards of the hereafter in 1884. The family is at 
present one of the largest in this section, consisting, besides the aged 
parent, of seven children, twenty-two grandchildren and six great- 
grandchildren, a total of thirty-six. May the aged father be blessed 
with freedom from pain and have the comforts of a contented mind 
resulting from a well spent life as long as bis days on earth shall be 
extended. 

The names of Mrs. Sarah Chambers Southard, Mrs. Ehoda 
Southard Dixon, H. J. Hayes, Chas. H. Parsons, Doria Tracy, F. C. 
Nichols, Joel Kelsey, C. Woodruff, S. F. Dyer, Mrs. Dr. Chase and 
Nicholas Gilsdorf, all of whom we think are over eighty years of 
age, came to mind while writing, whose life experiences in the 
Maumee Valley it would be interesting to read and we hope that 
their friends will favor the Association with a brief statement of the 
same. • - 



LIST OF MEMBERSHIP. 



Alexander, W. Gr. . ., Toledo, Ohio 

Andrews, Saaiuel " " 

Atkins, Rosantha '' " 

Abbott, Eunice " " 

Blanchard, Samuel ' " " 

Bell, Robert H i " " 

Boos, Wm. H 

Blinn, N. D " 

Bashare, Milo " " 

Berdan, John 

Bloomfield, Robert " " 

Brigham, CO.... " " 

Boice, R. V. . . " 

Brigham, Mrs. M. P " '' 

Brigham, Stanley F. ............... . " " 

Blodgett, Mrs. Bliz:i . '. . " " 

Bradley, A. B. ...... . ........ , . 

Baldwin, Mrs. Maria • .> • " " 

Bartlett, Nathaniel . . . . ............ " " 

Burdick, Leander " " 

Brumbaugh, H. .. . . " " 

Bond, O. S. . . . : " " 

Biownlee, A. B, Jr " " 

Baker, Mary G " " 

Brainard, W. S 

Chase, Galusha ■ • • " 

Colton, Abram W " " 

Clark, Albert G 

Callahan, M "... " " 

Collins, D. A " " 

Crafts, J. A 

Corlett, Wm ' " 

Conway, John A " " 

Coghlin, Dennis . . .- " " 

Chapin, Edward . " " 

Cowdrick, Vien Auburndale, " " 

Contuse, E. C 

Carter, S. S 

Dunlap Thomas ^ . . " " 

Draper, James " " 

Dyer, Stephen F " " 

D'owling, P. H " " 

Englehardt, Jacob " " 

Ensign, W. O " " 

Eddy, Chas. H 

Eggleston, Mrs. H " " 

Eda-ar, John 606 Piatt St. " 



11 



Gloyd, Mary E. ......... • Toledo, Ohio 

Goddard, Alonzo 

Granger, V. W 

Gleason, AW 

Gardner, Nath. • ... East Side, 

Hartman, Abrahana 

Hertzler, Horace 

Howard, Mrs. N. M . 

Howell, A. D 

Hall, Cecil A. . . . " ^^ 

Hubbard, Franklin . .... 

Heime, Jacob E • • 

Jones, Adelaine 

Kelsey, Joel W 

Ketcham, Mrs. Eachei Ann . , " :' 

King, Frank J 

Kountz, John S 

Kenyon, Henry 

Kellogg, Joseph G " "' 

Kslsey, Joel H. . • 

Lane, Frank T " 

Lindsay, Mrs. S. B. . . . • 

Lemmon, Reuben C 

Myers, Jas. W. . . . • ... 

Marksheffel, C. A || |^ 

Moore, John A. . 

Marx, Guido 

Merikel, N. M " 

McNally, Jas. '' '' 

Morehouse, Wm. H. . . . 

Mott, Miss Anna C 

Norton, C. W. ........ " 

l^orton, Mrs. M. D " " 

Neubert, H. G ''^ 

Nay, Eccler 

Nopper, Christ 

Pelton, A. D • • 

Parmelee, W. E. Jr. ^'^ |^ 

Pratt, Charles 

Pike, Louis H 

Pheatt, Z. C • . " 

Plant, A. H '^ ^• 

Eaymond, B. P 

Eaymond, Paul 

Eowland, VV. L 

Komeis, Jacob . . . • • • • • • ' ■ ' 

Raymer, James .....••••" 

Richardson, LA.. . . . - • • " 

Robinson, James B. . . . ■ . . . '■ '' 

Eomeis, John . .....•••" 

Smith, Denison B. ...•••■■ " 

Seaman, ira iv. . . ■ . • , ■ • • 
Smith, W. H. H. • • " 



Snell, A. Z Toledo, Ohio 

Southard, Thos. J. .... . 

Stettiner, Samuel ...... 

Spencer, J. M. . 

Scott, Wm. H 

Scott, Trav. J. . . . ' . 

Scott, Frank J 

Smith, E. C 

Stinecamp, Geo. H. . . . . . 

Smith, Mrs Julia E 

Sisson, Jessie . .... 

Secor, Mrs Frances Peck li am 

Tiernan, Thomas ...... 

Tracy, J. E. 

Trowbridge, Anson ..... 

Thomer, Henry ...... 

Thurstin, W. S. ..... 

Thomas, Edwin W. . . . . . 

Tappan, Wm. R. . . . . . 

Van Fleet, J. .... . 

YanGunten, John ...... 

VanStone, Thomas ..... 

Waite, John A. . . 

Wells, Geo. E 

Woods, Dr. T. J. . . . . 

Walterhouse, J. W. 

Wilcox, Minot S. . . . . 

Wilby, Einery . 

West, Charles .... 

Winans, James ... 

Whittaker, C. H. 

Whitman, W. H. . 

Wilcox, Henry .... 

Worden, S. B. . 

Wilder, David .... 

Wagner, Mrs. Mary C. . . . 

Woolson, A. M. . 

Waggoner, Clarke .... 

Young, Mott W. . . . 

Harroun, C. H. . . . . . 

Woodruff, Jeannette ..... 

Phillipps, P. J 

Gerkins, Henry 

-Eeynolde, Geo. ....,.." " 

Blanchard, Samuel •......" " 

Banks, W. R Paulding 

Bordener, Henry Flat Rock, Henry County, " 

Blaker, Sanford G VVoodville, Wood " " 

Converse, N. W Elyria, " 

Dunlap, Jennie 7880 Broadway, New Y'ork City 

Donaldson, David San Antonia, Ttxas 

Fenton, H. C Ridgeville, Henry County, Oliio 

Freas, George Okalona " " " 



East Toledo, Ohio 
West Toledo, Ohio 



Ohio 



iv 

Foster, O. W Lamoine, Wood County, Ohio 

Hardy, James Texas, Henry " ." 

Hardesty, A. F Payne, Wood, " 

Hollington, Rev. A Delaware, " 

Jones, L.J I>igby, Wood County, " 

Mathews, C. W Lancaster, " 

McCabe, Alex Morenci, Mich. 

McDowell, Mrs. C. E Prairie Depot, Ohio 

McMahon, E. W Portage, Wood County, " 

Moore, J. P Fremont, " 

Myers, J. K. ......... . Aj-ersville, Defiance County, " 

Peters, B. L North Baltimore, " 

Peters, Mrs. Fannie " •' • " 

Phillips, Charles B. . . . . . . . . Blissfield, Mich. 

Rodgers, O. D New Haven, Ind. 

Rowe, John P. . . Vienna, Mich. 

Tubbs, W. B Tubbsville, Ohio 

Wilson, Wm. H. . . . . . . Richfield Center, Lucas County, " 

Williamson, C. W Wapakaneta, " 

Willson, Geo. H Fort Wayne, Ind. 

Whittaker, Wm Wauseon, Ohio 

Watkins, George Chicago, 111. 

Whitney, Jos. S. . Jackson, Mich. 

White, J. W Washington, D. C. 

Ballou, Oscar W. ........ . Waterville, Lucas County, Ohio 

Ballou, Mrs. 0. W. . 

Dodd, Mrs. Mary 

Eastwood, Lewis " " " '^ 

Earns worth, John P " " " 

Hall, Joseph E 

Hoobler, Geo. W i' 

Pray, Thomas • " " u .. u 

Knaggs, Miss Maria " " " " 

Shertzer, Joseph '• " " 

Van Fleet, William 

Van Fleet, Mrs. Jane R. ..... . " u . u 

Van Fleet, H. Frank 

Watts, Thomas . 

Edgar, John Weston, Wood '• " 

Huber, Henry .......... 

McDonald, C". W 

Shephard, W. H 

Atkinson, William Whitehouse, Lucas " '■ 

Atkinson, Mrs Louisa •' " " " 

Barnett, Geo. C 

Butler, Fred A. . . 

oren, John 

Doaan, William " " " " 

Goodman, Michael ........ '' " " 

Goodman, Mrs. Caroline " " 

Pray, Paris II 

Pray, M. W 

Pray, J. L 



Pray, Mary E Whitehouse, Lucas County, Ohio 

Poulson, J. H " " " '• 

Eakestraw, Yarnel 

Sly, Mrs. Martha " " " '* 

Andrews, James Sylvania, Lucas " " 

Cone, Ambrose " " " " 

Harroun, Oara 

Harroun, Mrs. E. J. P 

Warren, W. B. . 

Curtis, Nelson Swanton Fulton " " 

Fairchilds, Alonzo 

Love, Rev. N. B. C 

Scott, Dr. W. A 

White, J. S 

White, Mrs. Ellen 

Watkins, Wells 

Foster, Joel Tontogany, Wood " " 

Mawer, Mrs. Thos 

Mawer, Thos 

Warner, Martin " " " " 

Bowers, George Napoleon, Henry County, Ohio 

Brooks, William 

Bowers, James R " '' " " 

Bowers, W. E 

Bowers, Mrs. A. C 

Cadwallader, Mrs. May 

Curtis, S. L. . 

Davidson, J. S 

Guno, Edwin " " ^ '^ 

Gilson, David 

Furquson, Mary " - " " '' 

Hudson, D. P. . 

Hill, Matilda M 

Hateley, Daniel " " " " 

Hudson, Harrison " " " " 

Hufning, Julius 

Huddle, John 

Hague, S. M 

Mory, J. D " 

Ealrick, George " " " 

Eaiser, Mathias • • " " u • u 

Scribner, Allen B 

Shelt, John " - " 

Stevens, John W 

Scott, Eobert K 

Sentre, H 

Tyler, Justin H 

YanHyuig, Julius 

Wheeler, Caleb 

Wilson, D 

Williams,' L. B 

Brown, James K 

Leatherman, J. . . . " " " " 



VI 



Pontius, B. F Napoleon, Henry County, Ohio 

Slielt, Sabina " " " " 

Britton, O. J Neopolis, Lucas County, Ohio 

Keeler, W. H " " •' " 

Crosby, Darwin " " " " 

Baird, C. C Perrysburg, Wood County, Ohio 

Barlow, Martha " " " " 

Campbell, Gr. W " " " '' 

Cing, Eudolph " " " " ' 

Hollenbeck, Francis " '< " " 

HoUenbeck, D. K , . . . •" " " " 

McKnight, George " " " " 

Pratt, B. F " " " " 

Peck, Henry E " " '^ " 

Powell, Frank " " " " 

Powers, C. A . " " •' " 

Perrin, Mrs. Amelia " " " " 

Drummond, Calvin M " " " " 

Eoss, J. W " " " •' 

Eoss, Mrs, J. W . . " i' " " 

Eumler, Estella " " " " 

Spafford, Mrs. Mariah " " " " 

Stubbe, James F " ■' " " 

Tulier, E " . " " " 

Thornton, S. B " " " " 

Warner, H " " " " 

Weddel, George "- " " " 

Eoss, Mr. and Mrs Hull Prairie, Wood County, Ohio 

Tunison, Mrs. John " " " ". 

Eobertson, Ameleus ...... " " " " 

Croninger, George . . . . . Liberty Center, Henry County, Ohio 

Foot, Fred " " '• " 

Turney, Michael " '' ". " 

Gunn, Mrs. A. B " " " " 

Hudson, Isaac . " . " " " ■ 

Leist, A. C '' " " " 

Lamphier, John " " " " 

Pennock, Edward " " " " 

Eussell, W. H 

West, John T " " " " 

Young, C. C " " " '• 

Young, Mrs. C. C ' " " " " 

Williams, W. F. ...... . " " " " 

Bales, William Maumee, Lucas County, Ohio 

Brown, Mrs Thomas . '• " '• " 

Blaker, Mrs. Amanda " " " " 

Baker, Mary G . " " " " 

Drummond, C. M , " " " " 

Gunn, Mrs. W. B " " " " 

Hull, W. E 

Kiser, Laura B '' " " " 

Mitchell, Mrs. E. B " " " >< - 

Gunn, O. N. . . " " " " 



Vll 

Grunn, Mrs. O. N. Maumee, Lucas County, Ohio 

Knaggs, Maliuda " " " " 

Walcott, J. M 

Wilcox, J. E 

Batcbelder, Mrs. William " 

Durbin, Thos. W McClure, Henry Count}, Ohio 

Sheppard, D. S 

Kerr, John W Mouclova, Lucas County, Ohio 

Learning, Hulda " ' " '' " 

Lose, Williaai " 

Van Fleet, Cornelius " " '' 

Carter, S. S Delta, Fulton County, Ohio 

Carn, M " " 

Holt, John " 

Merrell, Osias " " " 

Sargent, A. L " 

Culberson, Eli Grand Eapids, Fulton Count}-, Ohio 

Judson, A. C 

McLain, J. C 

Reynolds, James " " " 

Sterling, Thomas 

Bucklin, Osman Grelton, Wood County, Ohio 

Johnson, W. C 

Yeager, A 

Andrews, H. E Florida, Henry County, Ohio 

Berdner, Mrs: Harvey " " " " 

Berdner, Henry " " '■ " 

Brubacker, David 

Bruback, F. N 

Bruback, Emily B 

Bowen, Jerry " " " " 

Rothenberger, G. F 

Scofield, Catherine E 

Sisler, Peter 

Lowry, Samantha A " " " " 

Weaver, H. S 

Weaver, David . i " ' " " 

Bernthistle, H. P. . . Haskins, Wood County, Ohio 

Garrett, P. F 

Garrett, Mrs. Kate " " " " 

Ainsworth, J. N Hicksville, Defiance County, Ohio 

Fast, H. H Holgate, Henry Countj^, Ohio 

Gunn, A. D Holland, Lucas County, Ohio 

Tucker, Albert C. 

HoUoway, C. B 

Holloway, Mrs, Mary A 

Conley, Michael Colton, Henry Count}-, Ohio 

Gramiing, Adam " " " " 

Hardy, Sames W 

Love, W. K 

Parrott, William " " 

Waler, Aaron " " " 

Waggoner, John B ........ . " " '■ 



Waggoner, Simon N Colton, Henry County, Ohio 

McGarvey, John 

Arrowsmith, Miller Defiance, Defiance County, Ohio 

Brawn, Mrs. W. A " 

Brown, Kate O. 

Brown, F. G 

Corwin, Isaac 

Deamer, B. F 

Greenler, J. S . " " '' ': 

Gurwell, Martin 

Gurwell, Jacob 

Hardy, Henry 

Hudson, S. P 

Hooker, Arabella H 

Howard, E. A 

Hall, H. B " 

Hapenhinson, W. C 

JarviB, Mary B 

Kirk, J. D 

Kintner, George 

Langdon, Lyman 

Marcellus, D. H 

Malley, J. J 

Miller, John 

Marcellus, Hugh J " " " " 

Mix, E. B 

Parry, Gibbons 

Perky, Martin 

Eohn, James . 

Ealston, J. B 

Sessioas, Horace ........ " " " " 

Stubbs, Wm. M 

Scott, Helen Brown " :' 

Saylor, Jacob 

Simpson, A. E 

Smith, Wm. M • " 

Thornton, M. B. Stephens ... 

Tittle, Charles P 

Wilhelm, Adam ...••'.. 

Woodcox, B. B 

Myers, L. E 

Hilton, Brice 

Evans, Eichard 

Wood, Alonzo H 

Van Dusel, N 

Crofts, Mrs. Hannah 712 Eussell Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 

Eobinson, James B . . . , Air Line Junction, Lucas County, Ohio 

Bissell, C. A Antwerp, Paulding County, Ohio 

Bisber, Henry 

Doering, P. P 

Ewing Wm. . , 

Fleck, W. F 

Furguson, H. E 



Gi'aves, F. A. , . i i . ^ . . . Antwerp, Paulding County, Ohio 

Harris, Henry " 

Harris, Jane E • • '• 

Hughes, D. S 

McCann, A. C 

Oswalt, Jacob " 

Pocock, D. A 

Pocock, Clara " 

Pocock, J. L 

Pocock, E. E 

Snooks, W. A 

Say lor, Jacob " 

Stukey, VY. W 

Woodcox, C. B. ........ . 

Zuber, John B " 

Zuber, J. H 

Dilgert, J. C Auburndale, Lucas County, Ohio 

Couture, B. C 

Cowdrick, Vien " " :' 

Black, Luther Bow^ling Green, Wood County, Ohio 

Caldwell. Geo. D 

Dodge, H. H 

La Eari-ee, Jas. H " " 

Newton, Daniel " " 

Newton, Mrs. Eveline .... '' '• 

Perry, Thomas • '• " 

Phillippi, Aaron " " 

Ealston, Jas. B. . , " " 

Simonds, Alice " " 

Thurston. Mrs. M. L •' " 

Thomas, S. H 

Van Tassel, S. N 

Lattimore, Jas. P Cecil, Paulding County, Ohio 

Lattimore, Mrs. Jas. F " 

Simpson, A. N " 

Colby, Dr. L ..." 

Downs, Geo. W Custar. Wood County, Ohio 



Tk Pioneer Dry Goods and Carpet House 



Of Toledo. 



^'^^^-. 




32 Years 



Of the pnhlics confidence to guard makes our motto, 

Best Goods a# Lowest PHceSf 

Sti'onger than ever. If you have Dry Goods, Carpets and 
Milliner}^ to buy, you're always safe in trading at the old 
reliable store. 

Neuiiausei Bros., iaaiJ!!i!=!i±' 




weFiiYouOuiFrom 
Head to Fooi 



with the best Standard Made Clothing 
in the country, and at the Guaranteed 
Lowest Prices in the city. Every suit 
of clothes we sell is up to date — we 
carry over no old goods — 'you know 
that when you buy clothing here that 
it is correct in every particular of 
fabric, fit and finish. We sell splendid 
Suits, guaranteed all wool, ^ "? T fl 
as low as^.^.^<i*^<3*e^j* ^f lUU 
and from that figure, prices range from 
$10 and $12 to $15 and $18 for the 
finest fabrics. The standard made 
goods we sell are equal to the best cus- 
tom tailor work, and we save you at 
least 50 per cent, on the custom tailor^s 
prices,,-^ J-i^ J- J'^^^'^'^'^'^'^'^'^'^ 

IT'S THE SAME WITH SHOES 
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY 




WE HAVE THE LARGEST SHOE STORE IN TOLEDO, 

And save you money on all shoes for men, women and child- 
ren. Our shoe prices are 25 per cent, lower than all other 
stores. Remember also that if you are dissatisfied with any- 
thing you buy here you can always get you money back. 

MOCKETT'S/.'^:.?'?,. 



DSS'21 ■ 




Pianos and Organs. 

Best SViake^M ,„,i . ,ii —ra i nft fc . 

Lowfest Pe^iGBSm 

Best Tei'ms to Psurch^sersm 

Don't Fail to Examine our Goods before Purchasing, 
Goods Fully Guaranteed. 

J. W. GREENE & CO., KSro^n?.:'- 



Flowering Bulbs. 



We import Bulbous Roots direct from the most reliable growers in 
Holland, Japan and China, and they should not be confounded with those fre- 
quently sent to this market in "cases" on speculation. We should be happy to 
make judicious selections for parties unacquainted with the different varieties, 
if they will state, with orders, the number of bulbs required, and the average 
price. Our this year's importations of HyacinttlS, XulipS, Crocus, 
]^arciSSUS. I^ilies and other Klovrer Bulbs, is the Finest and Larg- 
est ever made, and our customers and all lovers of Flowers in want of Choice 
Bulbs, are respectfully informed that they can be supplied at home by us in 
every way as well, as cheaply and reliably, as by sending their orders to East- 
ern, and other far-off dealers. 

Hyacinths. Tulips. Narcissus, Crocus, 

^ Album, 
Auratum, 
Atrosanguineum 
Candidum, 
Calla, 

Chinese Sacred, 
Harrisli, 
Longlflorum, 







Rubrum, 



We also carry in 
stock other BULBS not 
mentioned here, and a 
full line of 



Flower and 
Seeds.. 



Garden 



.^Isp Garden Tools, and 
ask that you kindly call 
at our store or write us 
for price list. 



LILIUM HAKRISII 



TheHenryPhiiippsSeed&lmplementCo 

ffS & 117 SU Glair Street, 
TOLEDO, OHIO. 



"rt^E 



MAUMEE VALLEY PIONEER 

The Longest Electric Belt Line in 
tiie World. 

Have 5'ou been around the Maumee Belt ? Have you 
stepped out of the big blue cars and explored the mj^gter- 
ies of the woods to find an hour's emancipation from the 
heat and worry of the world? Everyone knows the 
Maumee Valley has a history, but few know how rich, • 
how varied, how fascinating and ancient is that history. 

Thirty minutes' ride will take you to the scenes of 
French and Spanish adventure of two centuries ago, to the 
border laud of constant warfare between three nations 
from the Eevolution to the final conflict of 1812. For 
centuries before the white man came the Maumee Valley 
was the paradise of the Indians, a common pleasure ground 
for many tribes. 

With the abundant facilities for access to the sites of 
these historic happenings provided by The Toledo and 
Maumee Valley Railroad, we can all well afford to join 
with enthusiasm in these celebrations, and aid as we may 
in perpetuating the memory of those brave men who fell 
for liberty where we now reside in peace and security. 
No section of the United States is richer in history than 
the Maumee Valley, and the congress owes an important 
duty to the country to immediately secure these great bat- 
tle grounds as a perpetual reminder of that which was 
done in the long ago for humanity and liberty. » 

BELT UNE^TiME CARD, 

LEAVE TOLEDO, EAST SIDE. 

TOLEDO EAST- 5.58 6.50 7.42 8.34 9.26 10.18 11.10 A.M. 
12.02 12.54 1.46 2.38 3.30 4.22 5.14 6.06 6*58 7.50 
8.42 9.34 10.26 11.18 P. M. 

PERRYSBURG S0UTH-5.06 5.58 6.50 7.42 8.34 9.26 10.18 
11.10 A. M. 12.02 12.54 1.46 2.38 3.30 4.22 5.14 6.06 

6.58 7.50 8.42 9.34 10.26 P. M. 

MAUMEE NORTH— 5.12 6.04 6.56 7.48 8.40 9.32 10.24 
11.16 A. M. 12.08 l.OO 1.52 2.44 3.36 4.28 5.20 6.12 
7.04 7.56 8.48 9.40 10,32 P.M. 

LEAVE TOLEDO, WEST SIDE. 

TOLEDO WEST— 6.24 7.16 8.08 9.00 9.52 10.44 11.36 AM 
12.28 1.20 2.12 3.04 3.56 4.48 5.40 6.32 7.24 8.16 
9.08 10.00 10.52 11.44 P M 

MAUMEE EAST— 7.10 8.02 8.54 9.46 10.38 11.30 A M 
12.22 1.14 2.06 2.58 3.50 4.42 5.34 6.26 7.18 8.10 
9.02 9.54 10.46 11.38 P M 12.30 A M 

PERRYSBURG NORTH— 5.32 6.24 7.16 8.08 9.00 9.52 
10.44 11.36 A M 12.28 1.20 2.12 3.04 3.56 4.48 5.40 
6.32 7.24 8.16 9.08 10.00 10.52 P M 



Addresses, 



Memorials 

And Sketches 



PUBLISHED 




The 



Maumee Valley Pioneer 
Association. 

1899. 



Vrooman, Anderson & Bateman, Printers, Toledo. 



Union Central Savings Bank ^ 

30US0B Chamber of Commerce, 
toledo, Ohio, 



♦♦•♦ 



J. p. McAPBB, President. JAMES MELV1N, Vice-President. 

JOHN MILUQAN, Casliier. 
S. LLOYD McAPBB, Ass't Cashier. J. BARLB McAPBB, Ass't Casliier. 



General Banking; Business Transacted. Commercial Accounts Solicited. 



Union Central Life Insurance ^ 

J. p. McAFEE, Manager N. W. Ohio. 
Assets, January f, J899 - - - - - $21,048,198 

Lowest Death Rate. Largest Rate of Interest. 

Large and Increasing Dividends to Policy Holders. 
Bell Phone 956. Offices, 301 to 305 

Harrison 390. Chamber of Commerce. 

The Maumee Valley P ioneer Railway 

The Longest Electric Belt Line In the 

World. 



Have you been ai'ound the Mauuiet' Belt ? Have you stepped 
out of the big blue cars and explored the mysteries of the woods to find 
an hour's emancipation from the heat and worry of the world ? Every- 
one knows the Maumee Valley has a history, but few know how rich, 
how varied, how fascinating and ancient is that history. 

Thirty minutes' ride will take you to the scenes of French and 
Spanish adventure of two centuries ago, to the border land of constant 
warfare between three nations from the Revolution to the final conflict 
of 1812. For centuries before the white men came, the Maumee Valley 
was the paradise of the Indians, a common pleasure ground for many 
tribes. 

With the abundant facilities for access to the sites of these his- 
toric happenings provided by The Toledo and Maumee Valley Rail- 
road, we can all well afford to join with enthusiasm in these celebra- 
tions, and aid as we may in perpetuating the memory of those brave 
men who fell for liberty where we now reside in peace and security. 
No section of the United States is richer in history than the Maumee 
Valley, and the congress owes an important duty to the country to im- 
mediately secure these great battle grounds as a perpetual reminder of 
that which was done in the long ago for humanity and liberty. 



\ 




WARREN B. GUNN. 



Jtddresses, memorials and 
,.,.Sketcbes„,, 



Publhlfed 
bv 



^be JTlaumee Zl^lk^ Pioneer 




^^j. jffssociation, -^ -^ ^ 

Co be delivered at the 

l^eunion at Delta, Ohio, 

Wednesday, Jtuqust SO, 
1899. 



Toledo, Ohio: 

Vrooman, Anderson * Bateman, Printers 

1899. 



Gift 

Author 

23 D '05 



PREFACE. 

The Memorials, Obituaries, Biographies and Pioneer 
Reminiscences herein presented have been contributed by 
friends who are personally interested in the various sub- 
jects each has written of. It is the desire of the Maumee 
Valley Pioneer Association that this interest should ex- 
tend, and to this end persons possessing knowledge of 
any personal event or fact connected with pioneer history 
is not only invited, but earnestly urged, to put the same 
in writing and hand or mail the matter to the Secretary 
of the Association, on or before the first day of June of 
each year. 

No charges are made for publishing in these Annuals 
any such com.munications. Half-tone cuts appearing, 
which add very much to the interest of the printed mat- 
ter, are furnished by friends, and become their property 
after being used by the Association. 

Every person who has resided in any part of the 
Maumee Valley for the period of twenty-five years is 
eligible for membership in the Association, and can be- 
come a member by the payment of one dollar. // should 
be remembered that the annual expenses cannot be m,et by the 
one dollar paid on joining the Association. It costs about 
one hundred and twenty-five dollars each year to publish 
the Annual and to meet the other necessary expenses. 
A charge is therefore made of 25 cents a copy for each 
issue of the Annual, and the members must take a suf- 
ficient number to supply the above sum, or else the pub- 
lication cannot continue. Each member should therefore 
assist in disposing of the yearly issues to the extent of 
his ability. 

Features of especial interest to the people of our 
State, and particularly to those of this section, are set 
forth in this issue, and will be continued in each issue in 
the following Centennial years. No class of people are or 
can be as interested in our forthcoming Centennial cele- 
bration as are the pioneers, and it is confidently expected 
that a united effort will be made that their good work 
may be stimulated so that the Association may grow and 
maintain its proper sphere of usefulness in this com- 
munity. 



iviiisru^TEs. 



The 34th Annual Reunion of the Maumee Valley 
Pioneer Association was held at the Old Court House at 
Maumee, on Saturday, September loth, 1898. 

Owing to the absen* e of the president, Mr. Paris H. 
Pray, Rev. N. B. C. Love was called to preside and the 
meeting was opened by singing "America" by the audi- 
ence, led by Col. Wm. Corlett, of Toledo. 

The regular prog^ram was then taken up and Rev. 
Sheridan, of the Oliver street Baptist Church, of Toledo, 
led in an invocation of divine grace. Owing to the 
absence of an organ the singers were unable to fill their 
part of the program and it was omitted. 

The minutes of the former meeting were read and 
approved, together with the treasurer's report which 
showed a balance on hand of $9.4.7. 

A very able, intf resting and patriotic paper was then 
read by Mr. Denison B. Smith on "Evolution of Trans- 
portation." This was followed by a carefully prepared 
paper on "The Surrender of Gen. Hull at Detroit," by 
Rev. Adams, of Perrysburg. 

The noon hour having arrived refreshments were 
mutually discussed in an "up to date" manner and the 
pioneers again broke bread together. 

The opening ot the afternoon meeting was solemniz- 
ed by an invocation by Rev. Adams, of Perrysburg. We 
were then favored with a very well worded, hearty pio- 
neer welcome by the Hon. James M. Wolcott, a home 
pioneer of Maumee. He spoke feelingly of the pioneer 
surroundings of Maumee together with the famous 
pioneer people, including one of Maumee's meritorious 
sons now in command of "the U. S. forces at Santiago. 
Cuba, and at the conclusion of his welcome address mov- 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



ed that Gen. Lawton, a former citizen of Maumee, be 
elected an honorary member of the Association. 

An original letter dated at Washington, D. C, 
October 9th, 1845, written by Gen'l George Croghan to 
Mr. George B. Knaggs, of Maumee City, was then pre- 
sented to the Association and the secretary was instructed 
to reproduce the matter of the letter in the pamphlet of 
1899. A vote of thanks was extended by the Association 
to Mrs. Knaggs for her generous contribution of the letter. 

A nominating committee consisting of Mr. D. K. 
Hollenbeck, of Wood County; Mr. O. B. Merril, of 
Fulton County, and Hon. J. H. Tyler, ot Henry County, 
then reported by the chairman, and the following recom- 
mendations were made: 

FOR PRESIDENT, 

Mr. Paris H. Pray, of Whitehouse. 

FOR SECRETARY, ' 

J. L. Pray, of Whitehouse. 

FOR TREASURER, 

J. E. Hall, of Waterville. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS, 

Fulton County, Dr. Wm. Ramsey, 
Hancock County, Mr. Blackford, 
Henry County, Hon. Justin H. Tyler, 
Lucas Count) , Judge Chas. Pratt, 
Wood County, D. K. Hollenbeck, 
Defiance County, Adam Wilhelm, 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 

Defiance County, John Greenler, 

Fulton County, A. B. Thompson, 

Henry County, C. C. Young, 

Lucas County, Wm. Corlett, 

Wood County, J. O. Troup. 

MEMORIAL COMMITTEE, 

Defiance County, J. P. Bufhngton, 



Minutes 7 

Fulton County, Rev. N. B. C Love, 
Henry County, Allen Scribner, 

Lucas County, D. B. Smith, 

Wood County, F. A. Baldwin, 

Hancock County, H. F. Burbet. 

HISTORICAL COMMITTEE, 

Henry County, George Patrick; 

Lucas County, Hon. J. K. Hamilton 

Wood County, Rev. G. A. Adams. 

At the close ot the election Mr. Corlett, of Toledo, 
made an explanation concerning the memorials that all 
persons should make themselves responsible for omissions, 
etc. The chairman of the Memorial committee then 
came forward and read memorials on the life and charac- 
ter of Mr. Thomas Daniels, Marquis Baldwin, J. C. Dilgert 
and J. E. Bailey. Mr. J. T. Greer of Toledo, then present- 
ed a very fine tribute on the very serviceable life ol Rev. 
W. W. Williams, of Toledo. Dr. N B. C. Love next 
presented a memorial on the pioneer life of Mr, John 
Cowdrick, of Napoleon. Mr. Clark Waggoner then 
presented a very graphic account of the noble and praise- 
worthy deeds ot William Oliver, a former citizen and 
property owner in Toledo. 

The meeting then broke away from the regular 
program long enough to hear a recitation by Mr. Shafer, 
after which reminiscences were called for and Mr. Worden 
of Toledo, and Mr. Young of Liberty Center, and others 
made brief remarks. 

FINANCIAL EXHIBIT FOR 1 898. 

Received for Pamphlets sold $^S 65 

Received for Advertising 40 00 

Received for five Memberships at Maumee 5 00 

Total Paid Treasury. $83 65 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Associatien. 



Cost of Postage — Circulars and Cards $ 6 oo 

Cost of Printing 84 20 

Cost of Typewriting and Addressing 2 65 



Total ^92 85 

J. L. Pray, Secretary. P. H. Pray, President. 

ACCOUNT OF TREASURER. 

Balance on hand from 1897 $ 9 47 

Received of Secretary up to December 30, 1898 . 83 65 



Total $93 1 2 

Paid Expense Orders 92 85 



Balance in Treasury 27 

J..E. Hall, Treasurer. 

The meeting closed with the singing of a familiar 
song, all feeling that the 34th Annual Reunion was a social 
success. 

N. B. C. Love, 

Acting President, 
J. L. Pray, 

Secretary. 



The Battle of Fallen Timbers. 



THE BATTLE OF FALLEN TIMBERS. 

BY H. W. COMPTON. 



Two of the most momentous events in the history of 
Ohio, and indeed of the whole Northwest, were the 
Battle of Fallen Timbers and the Siege of Fort Meigs. 
At the former the great Indian confederacy, organized 
and armed by the British, was overthrown upon the banks 
of the Maumee by the impetuous charge of "Mad 
Anthony" with his irresistible legion of infantry and 
mounted dragoons. At Fort Meigs, near the same spot 
eighteen years later, where the old earthworks are still 
visible, a brave garrison of Americans under William 
Henry Harrison hurled back an invading host of British 
regulars and Canadian militia under Proctor, and a horde 
of eighteen hundred yelping Indians under the lead of the 
great Tecumseh. By the first victory a peace was secur- 
ed with the crushed aPxd humbled Indians which permitted 
an uninterrupted tide of white settlers to flow into the 
Ohio wilderness and possess, clear and cultivate the fertile 
lands, secure from the merciless tomahawk, firebrand and 
scalping knife which for fifty years had made the frontier 
a scene of danger, desolation and horror. By the second 
victory at Fort Meigs the British and their savage allies 
were driven back upon Canada, and the British hopes of 
annexing our Northwest territory to England's dominions 
were frustrated forever. 

To understand aright, the significance of the great 
victory of the Fallen Timbers, it is necessary to go back 
a little way in history and notice briefly some of the pre- 
liminary events. The Treaty of Paris of 1783 ended, or 
was supposed to end, the War of the Revolution. That 
treaty fixed the northern boundary of the United States 



10 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

at the middle line of the Great Lakes, and the western 
boundary at the Mississippi river. But notwithstanding 
the terms ot the treaty, the British did not relinquish to 
the Americans the fortified posts along the chain of the 
lakes from Niagara to Mackinac. They continued to 
hold with strong garrisons the forts at Niagara, Sandusky, 
Detroit and Mackinac, and our weak nation, then but 
loosely knit together, glad oi peace and anxious to recover 
from the effects ot the long and desolating War of the 
Revolution, bided its time, endured insult and did not in- 
sist upon its rights. For full fifteen years after the Treaty 
of Paris the British thus held on to their fortified posts 
along the lakes and all the territory adjacent to them, and 
made these posts rallying points for the Indians of the 
Northwest, whom they supplied with arms and incited to 
terrible outrages upon the feeble white settlements in 
Kentucky and along the northern shore of the Ohio river. 
Even then a great body of the Eastern people were op- 
posed to what we now call "the policy of expansion," and 
were averse to a war with the Indians or another war 
with England. They asserted that the Ohio wilderness 
and the great jungle of the Northwest were not worth the 
blood and treasure it would cost to redeem them from the 
Indians and the British. 

England knew this feeling among the Americans, 
arid secretly cherished the intention of repossessing the 
vast region north of the Ohio and east ot the Mississippi. 
But at that time they gave as their pretext tor holding 
the forts and lands along the lakes, that the Americans 
had not kept the treaty of 1783 by making good the 
losses of certain British creditors who had suffered because 
of the Revolutionary War. So for about fifteen years, 
whatever may have been the real motive, the British con- 
tinued to hold the forts along the northern lakes, furnish- 
ed the Indians with weapons and supplies, and encouraged 
them to murderous attacks upon the white frontier settlers 



The Battle of Fallen Timbers. 11 

of Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, (then a county of 
Virginia,) and the few cabins and settlements along the 
northern banks of the Ohio river. 

In 1788 the Northwest Territory was formally organ- 
ized at Marietta, with Arthur St. Clair as governor. 
Cincinnati was founded, and other isolated log villages 
sprang up along the Ohio. Lands were purchased, and a 
strong tide of immigration set in from the Eastern States. 
The Ohio river was thronged with rafts, flat-boats and 
arks carrying settlers and their household goods down to 
the new lands in the western wilderness. The sight of 
these things enraged the Indians who beheld their hunt- 
ing grounds thus invaded by the hated axe, plow and 
cabin of the pale face. Prowling bands of savages burst 
suddenly upon defenceless cabins in the night time, mur- 
dered the inhabitants or bore them away into a wretched 
captivity on the Wabash or the Maumee. 

Groups of savage warriors lurked constantly along 
the wooded shores of the Ohio and waylaid the immigrant 
boats, plundering the goods and murdering whole families. 
At times hundreds of the fierce warriors would flock to- 
gether and make a raid against the palisaded villages of 
Kentucky or southern Ohio. On these occasions they 
would kill all the stock, murder the men in the fields, 
apply the torch to the dwellings, and carry off the women 
and children as caj)tives. These savage raids did not go 
unavenged, especially on the part of the Kentuckians. 
They frequently organized retaliatory raids, and pursued 
the fleeing Indians to their villages on the Miami and the 
Wabash. There they laid waste the corn fields and towns 
of the savages, but the Indians themselves usually escaped 
destruction by fleeing into the tangled wilds of the forest 
where the mounted white men could not penetrate. The 
atrocities and outrages of the Indians became so persistent 
and frequent that St. Clair, with the approval of Congress, 



12 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

determined to send a formidable expedition against their 
villages. 

In the Fall of 1790, a force of Pennsylvanians and 
Kentuckians, consisting of mounted militia and regular in- 
fantry with artillery, fourteen hundred and fifty-three men 
in all, under command of Gen. Harmar, marched against 
the villages at the head waters of the Miami The 
Indians as usual abandoned their towns and fled before 
the advancing army. Harmar laid waste their fields and 
burned their villages, and had he been content with this 
he would have accomplished all he was ordered to do. 
But his militia were eager for a fight with the Indians. So 
two or three detachments that were permitted to go off 
from the main body in quest of the warriors, were prompt- 
ly surrounded by the Indians under command of Little 
Turtle, an able chief, and cut to pieces. Harmar was 
compelled to gather his little army together and retreat to 
Fort Washington, at Cincinnati, harassed by Indians 
most of the way. Harmar's campaign was practically a 
failure, and another was called for, as the Indians were 
only the more enraged by the destruction of their homes 
and fields, and were not in the least subdued. The 
Indian attacks on the settlers immediately became bolder. 
Every blockhouse in southern Ohio was soon in a state of 
siege. All work in field and clearing was abandoned. 
The Indians attacked the station at Big Bottom near 
Marietta, and murdered and scalped fourteen whites. 
Settlers fled to the blockhouses or forts for refuge. 
Some hastened across the river into Virginia, abandoning 
all their possessions in the hope of escaping the prowling 
warriors. Washington was authorized by Congress to 
raise and equip an army of three thousand men. The 
command was given to St. Clair who was a friend of 
Washington and who had rendered valuable service as an 
officer in the war of the Revolution. The army was 
made up of the little regular army of two regiments, and 



The Battle of Fallen Timbers. 13 

the rest was composed of drafted militia and about four 
hundred Kentucky volunteers. A more poorly disciplined 
and equipped army probably never marched out to meet 
a foe. Many of the troops were enlisted tor only six 
months and their time expired before they got into battle. 
This fact was the cause of many desertions before there 
was a chance of conflict with the Indians. The troops 
were equipped by the agents of the government in the 
most shameless manner. Many of the muskets were 
utterly useless. It has been said that some of them even 
had no locks on them. A great deal of the powder would 
scarcely burn and the food and clothing furnished were 
wretchedly poor. St. Clair himself was well along in 
years, was suffering with the gout and had to be helped 
on his horse. Knox, the Secretary of War, kept urging 
St. Clair to proceed at once against the Indians, and the 
settlers were petitioning and clamoring for the army to 
march against the troublesome foe that was pillaging and 
burning their homes. This army, thus equipped and 
officered and urged off to battle without preparation, 
marched from Cincinnati, September seventeenth, 1791. 
A month was lost on the northward march in the building 
of Forts Hamilton and Jefferson. Desertions began to be 
frequent, and as there was no comissary the army was 
soon without bread 

After he had reached the Indian neighborhood St. 
Clair sent back his best regiment of regulars to gather 
up deserters and provide supplies. Little Turtle who was 
hovering near with one thousand and fifty painted braves 
now saw his opportunity. On the night of November 
third St. Clair encamped on the banks of a stream which, 
as he had no guide, he did not know was the Wabash. 
At dawn the Indians began the attack with deadly vol- 
leys and frightful yells which were terrifying to the raw 
and undrilled militia. St. Clair displayed great bravery 
and determination and rallied his faltering troops again 



14 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

and again, and by means of successful bayonet charges 
drove the savages several times from the field. But the 
Indians quickly returned to the attack and with horrible 
yells surrounded the now panic stricken soldiers and 
mowed them down on all sides. By nine o'clock six hun- 
dred of St. Clair's men lay dead upon the field, over three 
hundred were wounded and nearly all the officers were 
killed. The artillery was useless as there were no men 
to serve it. St. Clair saw that all was lost and gave the 
order to retreat. The troops that were still alive rushed 
pell mell from the bloody field, leaving dead and wound- 
ed, camp equipage, and artillery all behind them in their 
frenzied flight. Some threw away their muskets and even 
tore their clothing from their bodies that they might run 
the faster. St. Clair was helped upon an old pack horse, 
and thus made his escape from the bloody scene. An 
official investigation relieved St. Clair of all responsibility 
for the disaster and placed all the blame upon the miser- 
able discipline and equipment of the army. 

When Washington heard the news of the awful 
calamity it is said that he tore his hair in rage and griet, 
and walked the floor alternately cursing St. Clair and 
bemoaning the fate of the slaughtered Americans. It is 
impossible to depict the gloom and despair that filled the 
breasts of the Ohio settlers when they heard the terrible 
tidings of the defeat and massacre of St. Clair's army. It 
was the most ghastly defeat that American arms had ever 
suffered. All immigration was immediately stopped and 
not a boat was seen upon the Ohio, save that of some 
hapless refugee fleeing for shelter from Indian wrath. 
The government dreaded a war with the Indians and 
weakly began to negotiate for peace. But the arrogance 
and insolence of the Indians, backed by the British, knew 
no bounds. All the peace envoys of the Americans were 
murdered or insulted and driven out of the Indian en- 
campments. Col. Hardin and Major Trueman were sent 



The Battle of Fallen Timbers. 15 

to arrange some sort of a peace treaty with the Indians, 
but they were both treacherously assassinated, a deed for 
which the savages in subsequent peace negotiations ex- 
pressed no regret. The Congress at last reluctantly 
resolved upon war and provided ample funds to raise and 
equip an army of five thousand men. Washington cast 
about him for a commander who cOuld carry the American 
flag to victory in the wilds of the Northwest and teach 
the savages and their British allies that the United States, 
though young, had a strong arm with which to strike their 
treacherous and uncompromising toes. It is said that 
Washington hesitated between Anthony Wayne and 
George Rogers Clarke. There can be no doubt that 
had he chosen Clarke the result would have been the 
same, for he was a most valiant fighter, and as able and 
prudent in peace as in war. But Washington remember- 
ed the dash and daring of "Mad Anthony" in the war of 
the Revolution and how, at Stony Point on the Hudson 
in 1779, he had coolly pulled the abattis from the fortress 
walls and charged over the ramparts with the bayonet 
upon the astounded British foe and captured them all. 
So the choice fell upon Wayne. He accepted the com- 
mand under the stipulation that he should have ample 
time for hardening and drilling his forces and should not 
be hurried mto battle, as St. Clair had been, with a rabble 
of disobedient and undisciplined militia. Wayne's terms 
were acceded to and he reached the Ohio in June of 1792 
and began the reorganization of the army. His camp 
was situated on the river about twenty-seven miles below 
Pittsburgh. Here about twenty-five hundred men assem- 
bled and among them the remnant of St. Clair's beaten 
army. It can readily be seen what a gigantic task 
Wayne had before him when it came to making an 
efficient fighting force out of St. Clair's beaten remnant, 
and from the raw recruits sent him by the war depart- 
ment of the government. 



16 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Nearly all the officers were new and could render 
Wayne but little assistance, but he went about the task of 
constructing a compact and flexible fighting machine with 
his accustomed dash and energy. He drilled both officers 
and men until such a time as the officers themselves were 
capable of drilling the men. It was found that but few 
of the men realized the necessity for prompt obedience to 
orders, desertions were frequent and on the slightest 
alarm the sentries would flee from their posts. But 
Wayne kept up the ceaseless daily round ot drill, sternly 
enforcing all orders and duties of the camp, teaching the 
men to form rapidly and charge, to change from line 
formation to the hollow square, and to perform all the 
military evolutions with ease and dexterity. By the Spring 
of 1793 he had made out of his unpromising material a 
body of twenty-five hundred regulars, who were already 
worthy to be trusted in a conflict with the foe. 

In May, 1793, Wayne brought his little army, horse, 
foot arid artillery, down the river to Cincinnati, and the 
infantry and artillery went into camp at "Hobson's 
Choice." The four companies of cavalry went across the 
river to a camp in Kentucky, where all summer they prac- 
ticed bushwhacking and charging through brush and 
wood and over logs and broken ground along the Licking. 
On the Ohio side the infantry and artillery kept up a 
ceaseless drill in tactics and target practice. While 
Wayne was thus diligently sharpening his knife for the 
fight, the government, in deference to the "mugwump" 
element of the country, was weakly endeavoring to ne- 
gotiate a peace, and urging Wayne to avoid hostilities. 
Three commissioners, Benjamin Lincoln, Beverly Ran- 
dolph and Timothy Pickering, had been appointed, and 
had set out in May to meet the Indian council. The 
commissioners went by way of Niagara, and after long 
and tedious delay reached the mouth of the Detroit river 
where they found McKee and Elliott, the chief British 



The Battle of Fallen Timbers. 17 

mischief-makers, already in counsel with the Indians 
The negotiation proved utterly fruitless. The Indians 
were elated and insolent because of their easy victories 
over the whites, and were rich in the spoils and plunder 
of Harmar's and St. Clair's armies. The commissioners 
were only put in the humiliating attitude of trying to beg 
or buy peace. The Indians remained firm in their de- 
mand that the Ohio river should be the boundary between 
the Americans and the red men. The commissioners re- 
tired and hastened to Erie, and immediately sent off ex- 
presses to warn Wayne and President Washington of 
their failure, Wayne now consolidated his forces, and in 
October marched northward eighty miles, where he en- 
camped for the winter, building a strong post which he 
named Fort Greenville. Wayne's object in building this 
strongly fortified camp was to assume a menacing posi- 
tion near the headquarters of the savage tribes, and at the 
same time school his men to the woods and swamps of the 
Indian country. In December Wayne sent forward a 
strong detachment to the scene of St. Clair's battle- 
ground, gathered up and buried the bleaching bones of the 
six hundred soldiers who had been slaughtered there, and 
erected a stockade on the spot, which was named Fort 
Recovery. Wayne's " Legion," as he loved to call his 
efficient and well drilled little army, was kept busy 
through the long winter and following spring in unceasing 
military exercises, in bringing up supplies and in strength- 
ening the forts. The Legion constantly increased in dis- 
cipline, and in all that constitutes an effective military 
force. 

In June of 1794, while Wayne was getting up sup- 
plies for the march against the Indian towns, and waiting 
for the ground to dry, Fort Recovery, garrisoned by two 
hundred men under Captain Gibson, was suddenly attac k- 
ed one morning at dawn by two thousand Indians under 
command of Little Turtle. The garrison was taken by 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



surprise, but made a valorous defense, mowing down the 
Indians, who attempted to take the place by storm. After 
the first assault, the Indians retired and kept up a desul- 
tory firing at a distance for two days, and then disappear- 
ed, carrying with them a large number of their dead and 
wounded. They had anticipated an easy victory, but met 
with a discouraging and humiliating repulse which they 
long deplored as one of their worst defeats. About three 
weeks after the repulse of the Indians at Fort Recovery, 
Wayne's Legion was joined by a thousand mounted rifle- 
men from Kentucky under command of Gen. Scott, and 
he then began his march against the hostile villages on 
the Maumee, but he kept the destination of the expedition 
a secret, so that not even his own troops knew where he 
would strike the first blow. He further mystified the In- 
dians by sending out squads of axemen in advance to cut 
roads in different directions The result was that until 
Wayne suddenly appeared at the confluence of the Aug- 
laize and Maumee, the Indians were in uncertainty as to 
where he meant to strike, and were unable to concentrate 
their warriors for attack or defense. Unlike St Clair, 
Wayne kept in his employ during the whole of his north- 
ward march, a body of about forty trained spies and s outs 
vviiom he had selected from the wild white Inciim fighters. 
These men had been cradled in frontier cabins and had 
grown to manhood on the very hunting grounds of the 
Indians. Some ot them had been captives from childhood 
among the savages and knew well the speech, customs 
and habits of the Indians. These men were the athletes 
of the woods, tall, strong, long limbed, fleet footed, keen 
eyed, skilled marksmen, and absolutely without fear. To 
them the yell of a savage, that was meant to be so terry- 
fying, was empty bluster and vain bravado. Prominent 
among them were such men as Simon Kenton, the Poes, 
the Wetzels, the Miller brothers, Ephraim Kibbie, Robert 
McClellan and William Wells. The latter was the chief 



The Battle of Fallen Timbers. 19 



of the scouts, and was a man of great intelligence and un- 
faltering courage. He had been captured when twelve 
years old, and had grown up among the Miamis, and had 
married a sister of the great chief, Little Turtle. He 
fought with the Indians against Harmar and St. Clair, 
but when Wayne organized his Legion, Wells suddenly 
left the Indians, presented himself before Wayne and en- 
listed as a scout for the Americans, and rendered invalu- 
able service during the whole of the campaign. 

The historical account that is always given of Wells' 
leaving the Indians is, that after the battles with Harmar 
and St. Clair, dim memories of his childhood began to 
come back to him, and he was haunted by the lear that 
in some ot the bloody battles against the whites in which 
he had taken part he might have killed some of his white 
kindred ; so one day he went to Little Turtle and said : 
" We have long been friends ; we are friends yet, until 
the sun stands so high (indicating the place) in the 
heavens ; from that time we are enemies, and may kill 
one another." And history relates that after this speech 
he went and joined Wayne's army. Some of Wells' des- 
cendants, through his Indian wife, still compose some of 
the best lamilies in the Maumee valley, and these des- 
cendants now relate a secret family tradition which has 
been guarded for over a hundred years, setting forth the 
true reasons why Wells suddenly left his Indian kindred 
and joined Wayne's forces as spy and scout. This ac- 
count is that the astute and far seeing mind of Little 
Turtle realized that at last the strong arm of the United 
States was raised to strike a crushing blow against the 
confederated tribes ; he wished to have a friend at court 
when the final and certain defeat came, so he called 
Wells to him and said : " You are a white man. You 
have been fighting against your own flesh and blood. Go 
to Wayne and serve him loyally. If he conquers us in 
the great battle coming on, you can do your Indian friends 
4 



20 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



much good. If we conquer him, I will take care of you." 
This is no doubt the true story as to why Wells allied 
himself to the American cause and rendered such signal 
service, for it is well known that after the battle he was 
joined by his Indian wife and children, and he and Little 
Turtle received special tavors at the hands of the United 
States government. Wells finally lost his life at the 
Chicago Massacre in the war of 1812. 

On his northward march from Fort Greenville, Wayne 
kept his daring scouts and spies threading the forest 
wilds far in advance and on either side. They harried 
hostile bands of savages in the woods, and lurked along 
the streams and rivers watching every movement of the 
foe, reporting full information to Wayne. They even 
penetrated to the distant encampments of the savages and 
seized bound and carried off Indian men and women that 
Wayne might interview the captives as to the plans and 
movements of the enemy. Wayne himself was determin- 
ed to avoid the fates of Braddock and St. Clair. He 
marched through the forest with his ranks in open order, 
his advance and rear guards out, and flankers scouring 
the woods on either side. He was at all times ready for 
instant battle. He halted at the middle of each afternoon 
and encamped his troops in the form of a hollow square, 
with the cavalry in the centre. He then had the divisions 
on each side of the square cut down trees and throw up 
earthworks as a protection during the night. How this 
caution of the hero of Stony Point contrasts with the folly 
of Braddock and St. Clair, whose troops had been help- 
lessly huddled in unprotected masses to be mowed down 
by the pitiless hail of Indian bullets. 

Guarding his army with this ceaseless vigilance 
Wayne marched without opposition and suddenly ap- 
peared at the forks of the Auglaize and Maumee, the 
Indians fleeing for their lives down the river. The 
Indians of the Maumee Valley had long associated with 



The Battle of Fallen Timbers. 21. 

the French and from them had acquired considerable 
agricultural skill and many of the arts of civilization. 
Along the Maumee for about fifty miles there were num- 
erous Indian villages containing well built log homes; 
there were deep fruited orchards of apple and peach and 
vast fields of corn and vegetables. The corn was just in 
the stage of the roasting ear and Wayne's soldiers revell- 
ed in the abundance of fresh food. The army rested 
here for a week and constructed a strong post which 
Wayne called Fort Defiance. It was built in the point 
where the rivers met in the form of a square, with strong 
palisades, bastions and a block house at each corner. It 
was further protected by a deep moat and a high embank- 
ment outside of the palisades, Wayne garrisoned this 
strong fort with two hundred men and then sent out his 
cavalry who for miles up and down the river burned the 
villages and laid utterly waste the orchards and cornfields. 
What had been but a Httle while before a scene of peace 
and plenty, the ravening hand of war left an area of 
smoking ruin and desolation. Wayne now deemed it 
fitting to send one last formal offer of peace to the two 
thousand Indian warriors that were assembled with their 
British allies around the British Fort Miami, about forty 
miles below at the foot of the rapids. This fort had just 
been built the preceding spring, April, 1794, by Governor 
Simcoe of Canada, and it stood far within American 
territory granted by the treaty of 1783 at Paris. If there 
had been any doubt about the attitude of the British 
toward the Americans and their encouragement of the 
Indians, all such doubt vanished when Simcoe sent lour 
companies of British regulars and built this strong for- 
tress far within the acknowledged limits of the United 
States. Fort Miami was garrisoned with four hundred 
and fifty British regulars, was strongly built and mounted 
ten heavy guns besides mortars and swivels. It was, as 
it was meant to be, a strong rallying place and a depot of 



22 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Associatien. 

arms and provisions for the hostile Indian confederacy of 
the Northwest. The ruins of the old fort are still plainly 
visible on the west bank of the river about a mile below 
the villag-e of Maumee. In a time of peace between the 
two nations the parliament of England permitted its 
agents in the Northwest to dispense from Fort Miami the 
weapons, ammunition and provisions which enabled the 
savage tribes to harry the struggling settlers of Ohio and 
wage their battle against the Legion of Wayne. While 
this perfidy and bad faith on the part of the British must 
ever tend to excite the contempt and animosity of Amer- 
icans, we should also remember that the generation of 
Englishmen defeated in the War of the Revolution were 
still alive at that time, and all the jealousies and hatreds 
enkindled by that great struggle were still fresh and 
vigorous and continued so until after the War of 1812. 
Indeed almost a century of peace, with the added force 
of kindred ties and interests, has scarcely extinguished 
all traces of the hostile feeling between England and the 
United States engendered by their early struggles for the 
control of the western continent. 

Not waiting for an answer to his offer of peace 
Wayne marched from Fort Defiance on August fifteenth 
and reached Roche de Boeuf on the eighteenth. Roche 
de Boeuf was a celebrated landmark among the savage 
tribes. This massive, frowning rock still rises from the 
western edge of the river about a mile above the present 
village of Waterville, and about it still clusters a sanguin- 
ary Indian legend. On the way to the Rock, Wayne met 
his returning peace messenger with a shufifling evasive 
answer from the Indians to the effect that if Wayne would 
wait ten days longer the tribes would treat with him for 
peace. Wayne knew this was only a device to secure 
delay for the assembling of all the confederated warriors, 
so he resolved to press on. He had now under his com- 
mand a force of about three thousand men. Two 



The Battle of Fallen Timbers. 23 



thousand of these composed the Legion of regulars, 
infantry and cavalry, the other thousand were the mounted 
Kentucky riflemen under Scott. Through his spies and 
Indian captives Wayne learned that two thousand braves 
from the tribes of the Shawnees, Delawares, Wyandots, 
Ottawas, Miamas, Pottawatomies, Chippewas and Iroquois 
were encamped near the British Fort Miami with their 
right resting on Swan Creek. 

Among them were the infamous trio, McKee, Girty 
and Elliott, declaiming against peace and urging them to 
battle. There were also among the Indians seventy 
white rangers from Detroit dressed in Indian costume 
under the lead of Captain Caldwell. The Indian forces 
were commanded by Blue Jacket, a Shawnee chieftain, 
and Little Turtle, chief of the Miamis. On the evening 
before the battle the Indians held a council to determine 
what course to pursue as they knew Wayne was rapidly 
approaching their encampment. Little Turtle was averse 
to battle and in the council said : "We have beaten the 
enemy twice under separate commanders. We cannot 
expect the same good fortune always to attend us. The 
Americans are now led by a chief who never sleeps. The 
night and the day are alike to him. During all the time 
that he has been marching upon our villages, notwith- 
standing the watchfulness of our young men, we have 
never been able to surprise him. Think well of it. There 
is something whispers me it would be well to listen to his 
offers of peace." But Blue Jacket leaped up in the coun- 
cil and silenced Little Turtle by accusing him of coward- 
ice. Little Turtle replied : 'Follow me to battle." 

The Indians then swept up through the woods in 
long columns and took up what they deemed an impreg- 
nable position on and around Presque Isle Hill where a 
tornado of a year or two before had thrown down the 
forest trees, interlacing them in such a manner as to form 
a covert for the savage:s and rendering it very difficult for 



24 The Maumee Valley Pioneer A'^sociation. 

cavalry to operate among the fallen timbers. The Indians 
formed in three long lines at supporting distances apart, 
their left resting on the river and their right extending 
some two miles into the forest at right angles to the 
river. Wayne halted at thd Roche de Boeuf on the 
nineteenth and hastily constructed light works for the 
protection of his supplies and baggag^e which he named 
Fort Deposit. On the morning of August twentieth he 
marched on down the river knowing that the Indians 
were near and that battle was imminent. Wayne sent 
forward a battalion of the mounted Kentuckians with in- 
structions upon discovering the savages, to retreat in 
feigned confusion in order to draw the Indians out of their 
covert and increase their confidence. The Kentuckians 
went far enough in advance to give Wayne time to form 
his troops in perfect order after the firing should begin. 
Major Price led the advance guard of mounted militia 
and after an hour's march he received such a hot fire from 
the Indians hidden in the tall grass and trees as to compel 
him to retreat upon the main body. Wayne immediately 
drew up his infantry in two lines, placed the legionary 
cavalry on the right next the Maumee to assail the left 
flank of the savages and sent the volunteer cavalry under 
Scott, Todd and Barbee to the left to turn the right 
flank of the Indians and prevent them from performing a 
like service for the Americans, Wayne then gave orders 
for the front line to advance and charge with trailed arms, 
rouse the Indians from their covert and pour a well 
directed fire upon their backs, charging briskly with the 
bayonet and not giving the Indians time to reload their 
pieces or reform their lines. The first line of the Legion 
obeyed the order with great promptitude and impetuosity. 
In the face of a deadly fire they rushed upon the savages 
among the fallen trees and prodded them from their 
hiding places with the cold steel. The first line followed 
up the fleeing, painted horde with such swiftness and fury, 



The Battle of Fallen Timbers. 25 

pouring in a destructive fire upon their backs, that 
but few of the second Hne caught up in time to par- 
ticipate in the action. Many of the Indians tried to 
flee across the river but were cut down in the midst of 
the stream by the cavalry. The woods were strewn for 
miles with dead and wounded savages and with white 
Canadian militia painted and dressed in Indian costume. 
In the course of one hour the whole force of the enemy 
was driven more than two miles through the thick woods. 

Says Wayne in his official report of the battle : "From 
every account the enemy amounted to two thousand com- 
batants. The troops actually engaged against them were 
short of nine hundred. This horde of savages, with their 
allies, abandoned themselves to flight, and dispersed with 
terror and dismay, leaving our victorious army in full and 
quiet possession of the field of battle, which terminated 
under the influence of the guns of the British garrison." 

Owing to the impetuosity of Wayne's first charge, 
the battle was too brief to be very sanguinary in its re- 
sults, though the Americans lost thirty-three killed and 
about one hundred wounded. This loss occurred mainly 
at the first fire of the savages, when they lay hidden in 
their covert, taking deadly aim as the first line of the 
Legion swept down upon them. The legionary cavalry 
next the river suffered severely at the first fire of the In- 
dians. The dragoons galloped boldly among the Indians, 
their horses leaping over the fallen logs and dodging in 
and out among the trees. The troopers swung their long 
sabres with terrible effect among the dismayed and yelling 
savages, but a dozen saddles were emptied at the first fire 
of the Indians, Captain Campbell, who led one squadron, 
being instantly killed, and Captain Van Rensslaer, one of 
the old Knickerbocker family of New York, who led 
another, being severely wounded. The loss of the In- 
dians was far more serious than that of the Americans, 
though the number of killed and wounded was never defi- 



26 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

nitely known, as many of them were dragged or carried 
off the field and rescued by their fleeing friends. The In- 
dian dead numbered at least one hundred, and were found 
strewn along all the way to the British fort. The victori- 
ous Americans pursued the flying savages to the very 
walls of Fort Miami. The Indians confidently expected 
the British to throw open the gates of the fort and admit 
them to its protection, but to their surprise and indigna- 
tion the British basely abandoned them in the hour of 
their defeat, and they were obliged to scatter in the forest 
for safety from the American bayonets, the British looking 
on with apparent unconcern at this humiliation and defeat 
of their late allies, Wayne seriously contemplated storm- 
ing the British fort, and rode up with his aides to within 
a few hundred feet, and surveyed it through his glasses 
from all sides. After this a spirited correspondence en- 
sued between him and Captain Campbell, the British 
commandant. Campbell demanded to know why he ap- 
proached the fort in this threatening manner under the 
very muzzles of his guns. Wayne replied by demanding 
that Campbell withraw his garrison from American terri- 
tory to the nearest British post. Campbell replied that 
he was there by order of his superiors, and that only the 
fortunes of war would compel him to remove. Wayne's 
inspection of the fort had shown him that it was very 
strong, mounting many heavy guns and having a large 
garrison of regular troops. Moreover, the fort was pro- 
tected by a deep ditch in front of a lofty earthen parapet, 
surmounted by strong abattis. He saw that it would 
cost the lives of many of his soldiers, so he wisely con- 
cluded not to sacrifice his troops, and precipitate war be- 
tween the two countries by making the attack. The 
Americans contented themselves with proceeding imme- 
diately to burn and destroy all the supplies and buildings 
without the walls of the fort, McKee's residence among 
the number. While this ravaging and burning was going 



The Battle of Fallen Timbers. 27 



on, the British stood sullenly by their guns, it is said with 
lighted torches, but not daring to fire, well knowing what 
the result would be. After razing and burning everything 
within the vicinity of the fort, Wayne sent out his cavalry 
and destroyed the Indian villages, and laid waste the corn 
fields for miles up and down the river. After staying in 
the vicinity of the fort for three days, Wayne marched 
slowly back to Fort Defiance. 

Measured by its curation, and by the numbers en- 
gaged, this conflict was not one of the great struggles of 
the world ; but estimated by the issues involved, the in- 
terests at stake, it was one of the most important battles 
in the history of the race. The peopling of a vast empire, 
the development of untold riches, the spread of a benefi- 
cent civilization, all awaited the result of that cautious 
march of Wayne's little Legion, and their valorous and 
irresistible charge among the fallen timbers of the Maumee. 



2S The Maumee Valley Pioneer Associdtion. 



THE EVOLUTION OF TRANSPORTATION 
AND SOME OTHER THINGS. 

BY DENISON B. SMITH. 



There is no more clear and forceful evidence of the 
rapid growth of our country in all lines of trade, popula- 
tion and wealth, than in the evolution of transportation, of 
its inland commerce by land and water, and in the great 
expansion in the size and capacity of its commercial 
methods and instrumentalities. Very few men are living 
whose active connection with transportation began in 
1834, sixty-four years ago, and whose business life for so 
long a period has been steadily engaged in pursuits close- 
ly grouped with it. This is a part of my history, and 
when the old members of this Association begin to talk 
of early dates, they are mighty sure to talk of "what runs 
in their head" — that is, themselves. Some people grow 
old and loquacious. I rather admire the man who said he 
was 8 1 years young. 

But if my friends will indulge me in a brief relation of 
personal experience, I will state that in the Autumn of 
183:). I entered the f ounting office of Messrs. Joseph 
Sloann & Co., of Syracuse, N. Y. It was a grain and 
transportation firm on the banks of the Erie Canal. In 
March, 1836, I left Syracuse for Perrysburg, on this river, 
and entered the office of Messrs. John HoUister & Co., 
which was composed of John Hollister and my older 
brother. This firm was engaged in receiving merchandise 
from New York and forwarding it to the owners at De- 
fiance, Fort Wayne and interior from thence, to points on 
the Wabash river. For that early period this firm were 
large builders and owners of steam and sail vessels. The 



The Evolution of Transportation. 29' 



passenger steamers Commodore Perry, General Wayne 
and Superior, ran between Perrysburg and Buffalo. The 
Cincinnati, between Perrysburg and Cleveland, and the 
Gov. Vance to Detroit. In the steamers Commodore 
Perry and Superior, Captain David .Wilkinson and his 
brother James were largely interested. 

In 1838 I embarked for my own account in the same 
line of receiving and forwarding business at lower Maumee, 
under the walls of old Fort Miami, and later, in addition, 
furnishing provisions to the contractors who were con- 
structing the Wabash and Erie Canal. Do all of you 
now, within the sound of my voice, know what an inter- 
esting spot is this old Fort Miami ? The form of the for- 
tification and its embankments are well preserved. It can 
be reached from Toledo, Maumee and Perrysburg for ten 
cents, and will well repay a visit of an hour. 

It was only twenty-five years after its occupation by 
General Proctor and Tecumseh, when I commenced busi- 
ness under it. The river front of the Fort had been 
previously destroyed by excavation to build a dock, and 1 
suppose by an illegal desecration. 

The canal was completed in 1843. ^^ was very clear 
to me that its commerce could not be terminated at 
Maumee, and in the spring of 1844 I commenced the 
same line of business at Toledo, where I have since resid- 
ed, and where I have constantly been connected with 
business cognate with transportation. A feeling of lone- 
someness sometimes creeps over me when I remember, 
that of the thirty gentlemen engaged in this business in 
Toledo in 1844, only two besides myself are living, Mr. 
Alonzo Godard, of Toledo, and Gen. Egbert B. Brown, of 
Missouri, and the end is not far distant for the remaining 
three. And this feeling ot lonliness is emphasized when 
I pass along Water street and find no vestige of the old 
forwarding and transportation business remaining. 

While the range and scope of my paper is intended 



30 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

to present contrasts during my life on the river, it may be 
interesting to relate a little transportation history at the 
beginning of this century. 

In 1802, Col. Thomas Hunt was in command of the 
First Regiment of the United States army, and was sta- 
tioned, with a part of his command, at Fort Mackinaw. 
He was ordered to Vincennes, at the mouth of the Wa- 
bash river. The only means of transportation for his 
troops, baggage and supplies, were the large canoes, or 
peroques made from the long trunks of trees, and keel 
boats, all propelled by poles. With these rude instru- 
mentalities, they carefully skirted the shores of Lakes 
Huron, St. Clair and Erie, and arriving at the mouth of 
Swan Creek, now Toledo, encamped in Fort Industry, 
located at what is now the corner of Summit and Monroe 
streets, and twenty feet above the present level of that 
locality. The late Gen. John E. Hunt stated that he was 
then four years of age, and remembered the arrival of the 
troops in the river, by an accident that probably shocked 
his senses and freshened his memory. A soldier fired 
at a duck, and his piece exploding, blew off his thumb 
with a sharp spurt of blood. The chances are that Col. 
Hunt's troops found the tramping part of the way from 
Toledo to the forks of the Wabash, 25 miles below Fort 
Wayne, through a dense and almost trackless forest, quite 
as toilsome and difficult as the propelling of peroques. 

I presume that was the method of locomotion. I was 
not present, and have not had access to the records of the 
War Department. But another item of the history of 
that movement has come to me, and it is this : Arriving 
at the forks of the Wabash river, now called Huntington, 
Ind., Col, Hunt built a covered flat boat for his suite and 
tamily, and floated down the river to his destination. 
When too near the banks ol the river, good management 
was necessary to prevent the water snakes, which were 
sunning themselves on the low branches on the river side, 



The Evolution of Transportation. 31 

from falling into the boat. What an enchanting remin- 
iscence for those who love snakes. Upon arriving at 
Vincennes, Col. Hunt relieved Gen. William Henry Har- 
rison, the uncle of our late President, from that command. 
The relation of this little bit of history with the topic of 
my paper is, its lessons of crude and inadequate lacilities, 
and heroic endurance of hardships in early transportation 
compared with present advance on all lines. 

About 1832, passenger steamers began to be earnest- 
ly needed on Lake Erie by the increase of travel west- 
ward. These boats were also freight boats to the limited 
extent of transporting the merchandise received at Buffalo 
from the Erie canal and the house furniture of emigrants. 
There was no east-bound commerce. Ohio was a frontier 
western state, and the products of the farms that had been 
opened to agriculture were consumed within her borders. 
The building of passenger steamers rapidly increased, and 
in 1836 at my connection with lake transportation, there 
were ten of them in commission, each of about 350 tons 
burthcm. 

I will not attempt to review the conditions ot trans- 
portation before the completion of the New York and 
Pennsylvania canals, when the limited commerce of the 
State of New York was conducted on the Hudson and 
Mohawk rivers in primitive boats, and in Pennsylvania by 
six-horse teams over the Alleghany mountains, and from 
Pittsburgh down the Ohio river in flat boats, but let me 
return to transportation facilities and rates of freight in 
1836. As I have said the merchandise and emigrants' 
furniture was transported to Perrysburg by steamers and 
an occasional sail vessel. From thence by wagons to the 
head of the Maumee rapids, which was then Providence. 
Thence by keel boats and peroques propelled by setting 
poles, up the Maumee to Fort Wayne. From Fort 
Wayne another portage to the forks of the Wabash was 
necessary, and from thence down the river. 



32 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Mr. Elijah Herrick and Mr. S. H. Cately, both since 
members of our association and residents of Fulton 
County, were then the owners of the teams that lormed 
the transportation line extending from Perrysburg to 
Providence, and two most worthy gentlemen they were. 
The late Capt. Calvin Herrick was an employee of his 
brother. The rate of freight on sugar, molasses, liquors 
and other heavy commodities from New York frequently 
cost 3c. to 4c. per pound, and the native sugar was used 
whenever possible. Light goods cost 5c, to loc. per lb. 
But even these exorbitant rates were the beginning of the 
decline that has culminated in the present low cost of 
freight on similar commodities. 

Let us indulge ourselves in an inventory of contrasts. 
Compared with the rates I have named of from 3c. to loc. 
per pound in 1836, we now have rates of 12c. to 50c. per 
100 pounds or i^c. to ^^c. per pound. The maximum 
freight cargo of vessels was then 6,000 bushels of wheat. 
Now it is 300,000 bushels. The passenger steamer of 
that day, of an average speed of ten miles an hour, has 
been succeeded by the palaces of to-day with a speed of 
twenty miles. Rates of fare;, with sumptuous living, are 
now almost cheaper than remaining at home. Our rail- 
zvays have annihilated distances. Instead of a Winter 
trip by stage to New York, occupying a week we are 
now transported thither in nineteen hours. And yet we 
are not happy, but are constantly striving for something 
better and something faster. 

The completion of the Wabash canal in the Autumn 
of 1843, 3"^*^ of the canal to Cincinnati in 1845 were great 
events in Western transportation — W€:stern commerce 
and the commercial history of Toledo. The only then 
known method of transportation was by water, and the 
Maumee river and Toledo were on a line with the water 
route to the seaboard. Her canals were expected to 
increase the commerce, population and importance of 



The Evolution of Transportation. 33 

Toledo, and those natural results were realized until the 
railways began to be instrumentalities of commerce. The 
canal could only be maintained by the collection of tolls, 
which, added to the necessary carrying charge soon gave 
the railways the advantage. 

The building of railways in all directions has greatly 
increased, solidity of track, capacity of cars and power of 
locomotion have proved to be a great diffusive element of 
commerce. They have changed the natural currents of 
commerce and trade. ° Traffic that we once claimed as 
legitimately tending hence, has been divided and deplet- 
ed. But Toledo is the center of a large commercial 
traffic which her enterprising merchants will, I believe, 
forever maintain. Toledo is not an experiment. What 
is now required for the support of increased population is 
increased manufacturing, which is the twin sister of com- 
merce, and we can depend upon it, that this increase of 
growth will, in the future, prove to be in the ratio of this 
increase of manufacturing industry. There is a natural 
and positive limit to the support of population by commer- 
cial traffic, and to-day our expectation of increased future 
growth must depend upon this supporting element. 

The growth and prosperity of Toledo is closely 
grouped with and concerns the people of the Valley. 
Great improvements radiate, on all lines, from any com- 
mercial and manufacturing center, and similar results may 
confidently be anticipated from the growth of the leading 
city of the Maumee. 

I want to offer my warm congratulations, not only to 
the agricultural element of our membership, but to all 
who are present, old and young, upon a year of prosper- 
ity, and the fair prospects for the future. The crops of 
1897 have been disposed of at fairly remunerative prices, 
and above the averages of late years. When the interests 
of agriculture prosper, the country at large shares it. 
The products of the soil, the labor of the farmer, the 



34 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

manufacturer and the mechanic, are the basis of the 
wealth of any nation. As compared with all other 
countries, ours is a system of educated labor. We are 
thought to be boasters by some of our European critics, 
but the fairest judgment, at home and abroad must 
acknowledge, that the sources of general information to 
the laborers on the soil and all other industries, are more 
widely diffused in America than in any other country. 
We are all laborers. / toil as many hours at eighty-one 
years of age, as any one. No one loves labor, but its 
habit is a cultivation. It is a Divine command — "With 
the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread," and, as I have 
said, the results of labor are a benediction upon all man- 
kind. 

But, dear friends, these contributions to our intelli- 
gence, which I have just now commented on, entail great 
responsibilities. 

This intelligence equips us with a knowledge of the 
theory of our Government, and we are challenged by it to 
uphold and preserve our rights and liberties upon the 
basis of virtue, morality, justice and devotion to the 
constitution under which we live. I think I can discover 
around us a weakness of partisan ties. Less of cast iron 
obediance to party obligations, and I hail it as a blessed 
signal from a virtue and liberty loving people. An 
evidence of an enlightened and devoted Americanism 
may be found in him who ignores the claims of party 
when he finds the best and purest man on the other side. 

In closing, I want to refer to the short, brilliant, 
sharp and decisive contest we have recently closed with 
Spain. I am not going to worry you with details. You 
all know as much about it as I, thanks to the diffusion of 
information I have talked about. It has cost great loss 
of life, intense suffering of our men, and a great many 
millions of dollars. But as to its glorious results, no war 
of its duration can be compared to it. It has silenced the 



TJie Evolution of Transportation. 35 

sneers and contemptible comments of Europeans on uur 
inability to conduct a campaign commenced upon purely 
humanitarian causes, — upon our love of liberty and hatred 
of oppression. 

The procession of human rights — a love of liberty — 
of a government by the people, moves very slowly. 
Sometimes its pathways are through suffering and streams 
of blood, and sometimes by a natural and peaceful growth, 
but in either direction it is the inspiration from above, and 
its final triumph is as sure as are His immutable plans. 
The life of Gladstone illustrates a large but peaceful 
movement ot suffrage by the people of England, In con- 
trast to this, the same government is now offering its 
treasure and the blood of its people in a war to redeem 
Egypt from the bonds of despotism, ignorance and super- 
stition. The result of our contest with Spain has spread 
out before us a new field for our beneficent influences, 
by enlarging the happiness of a new people in the teach- 
ing and practice of enlightened free government, equal 
rights and a higher education and standard of morality. 
It is a heritage trom our fathers which we are bound to 
perpetuate. 

It has elevated the standard of the power and influ- 
ence of this great Republic all over the world. It has 
closely cemented the bonds of sympathy between England 
and ourselves, in readiness for an Anglo-American instead 
of Anglo-Saxon alliance. But what of its immediate 
results to us f That is the burning question at home. 
I am not a young man, but also I am not a moss-back, I 
believe in holding such possession of every foot of soil 
that our brave troops and ships have conquered, as will 
redeem its people from the barbarism of oppression, 
ignorance and brutality. Our people will stop to count 
the cost, but the expansion of our commerce and market 
for the products of our manufactures will compensate four 
for one for all it costs. I conceive these opportunities to 
offer us a glorious mission, and worthy of a glorious 
Republic. 



36 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association, 



GENERAL WILLIAM HULL. 

BY REV, G, A. A. 



A Chicago paper of last week had a cartoon, headed : 

A Few Wants. — Wanted Immediately, A Scapegoat. 
One who will Admit that he is Responsible for 
Unsanitary Military Camps. — One who will Say 
THAT He is to Blame for Lack of Medicines, 
Nurses, Surgeons, Hospital Cots and Food for 
Sick and W^ounded Soldiers. — Wanted Also, At 
Once, Good Reasons for Courtmartialing Gener- 
als AND Others who are Offensive to the Secre- 
tary OF War. 



This cartoon would have admirably described the con- 
dition of thinofs at the close of the war of 1812. Mr. 
Eustis was Secretary of War, and Gen. Dearborn had 
command of the armies by which it was expected to wrest 
Canada from the hands of England. 

As the management of the war fell upon these, and 
the administration, their mistakes had made a necessity 
for a scapegoat, upon whom could be laid all the sins of 
omissions and of commission of that disastrous time. 

This want arose from the fact that the impossible 
had been attempted, without any previous preparation. 
That impossibility was the wresting of Canada from the 
British. For this purpose, Gen. William Hull, who had 
been governor of Michigan, was placed in command of 
the army in the West, composed of about 2,000 men. 
This army was to make the assault upon Canada from 
the West, while others attempted to defeat the British 
forces in the East. This expedition started from southern 



General William Mull. 37 



Ohio, and cutting its way through the woods, camping on 
the prairie which received his name, crossing the Maumee 
and the Raisin, finally reaching Detroit, and there cross- 
ing the river into Canada, began the preparation of his 
artillery in order to make an assault on Fort Maiden. 
While waiting here some of his officers were impatient 
and anxious to be permitted to assault the fort at Maiden, 
even without artillery. 

It is reported by one who was present in the officer's 
quarters, that one officer who had received orders to make 
a reconnoisance of Maiden, declared that if God let him 
live, he would not return until he had taken the fort. But 
his courage seemed to have passed away as he drew near 
the fort, for stopping there and sending back for reinforce- 
ments, he received orders to return to camp, which he 
did, but ever after regretted he had not disobeyed orders 
and made the assault on the fort. 

In the commanding general's opinion, the circumstances 
did not warrant an assault or an advance, and so ordered 
a return to Detroit, where he occupied his force in efforts 
to keep open his communication with his base of supplies, 
a matter of considerable difficulty, with the woods full of 
Indians. One fight for this purpose under Col. Miller, 
occasioned the loss of 6S men, who were either killed or 
wounded. 

Word had reached Detroit through an intercepted 
letter of Mr. McKenzie, at Fort Mackinac, which had 
fallen into the hands of the British, that 1,500 or 1,600 
men, voyageurs and traders of the Fur Company, were on 
their way from Mackinaw to aid the British at Maiden. 

While things were in this condition. Gen. Hull, on 
the 14th of September, sent out a detachment of 360 men, 
who were all chosen men, under the command of Colonel 
McArthur, to the Raisin, in order to convoy Capt. Brush, 
who was there with a hundred head of cattle, and needed 
help to reach Detroit. Col. Cass accompanied this expe- 



38: TheMaum.ee Valley Pioneer Association. 

dition, which seems to have been sent out in the expecta- 
tion of a speedy return, the men going without suppHes. 

This was the condition of things when General Brock, 
who had water communication by vessel, appeared at 
Maiden, and on the 15th demanded the surrender of Fort 
Detroit. This demand was answered in the negative. 
At the time the demand was made, the expectation was 
that at any hour the 360 men who were gone to the aid of 
Brush, would report at the fort. 

It seems from the histories of that time that this ap- 
pearance of Gen. Brock with ships and men was unlooked 
for, and only made possible by an arrangement made be- 
tween Sir George Provost and Gen. Dearborn, by which 
all fighting at the eastern end of the field should cease, 
while the western end was left to take care of itself, a 
singular fact to say the least. 

This armistice at the East operated to liberate the 
troops at the East, and permit their concentration and 
operation at the West. 

Of this advantage Gen. Brock at once availed him- 
self by embarking his troops on the vessels which he had 
concealed off Long Point, and proceeded at once to Mai- 
den, from whence he sent, on the 15th, his demand for the 
surrender, a demand which was peremptorily refused. 

As Gen. Hull had at that hour 360 men out in the 
woods, who knew nothing of the presence of Gen. Brock, 
he became naturally solicitatious for their safety, and for 
their speedy return to the fort. According to ordinary 
calculation, the detachment should appear before morning. 
But in point of fact, it did not return until after Brock had 
prepared for his assault by cannonading the fort, and was 
actually on the march to make the assault before it ap- 
peared, when it was too late to change the fate ot the day. 

One historian, who seems to be anxious to prove 
that Gen. Hull was a traitor and a coward, lays it down 
as a fact that Gen. Hull, when he sent McArthur and his 



General William Hull. 39 



360 men out of the fort, knew that Gen, Brock was at 
Maiden, and had been secretly visited, and had made the 
arrangements for his surrender, and that Mc Arthur and 
Cass were sent from the fort to have them out of the way, 
when the bargain would be completed by the surrender. 

In order to make this point, the historian found it 
necessary to challenge the truth of Gen. Brock's report, 
that he made his demand upon Gen. Hull for the surren- 
der of the fort at Detroit on the 15th. Gen. Brock was 
dead when this historian charged him with putting a false- 
hood in his report. Gen. Brock died at Lundy's Lane, 
or this historian would not have ventured to charge him 
with publishing a lie, in order to shield the man who had 
surrendered the fort to him. 

It must be supposed that Gen. Brock told the truth 
when he wrote his report and fixed the date of his demand 
for the surrender on the 15th. 

This date must then be considered as the true one, 
and the account of the secret meeting as entirely fabulous, 
as well as the malicious interpretation given as to the 
motives of Gen. Hull, for sending out of the fort on the 
night of the 14th, his most reliable Colonel, and the hero 
of the reconnoisance of Fort Maiden. 

On the next day, the i6th of September, Gen. Brock, 
having received notice from his scouts of the absence from 
the fort of a large body of men, appeared before the fort 
at the head of 800 regulars and 700 Indians to finish the 
assault which had been begun by the artillery, which was 
concealed and protected by a house opposite the fort, a 
ball from which, according to the account written by Gen. 
Hill, killed three officers almost in the very presence of 
Gen. Hull. The historians all say that Gen Hull was at 
this time a good deal agitated. 

There was reason enough for his agitation without 
thinking him a coward. The women were screaming and 
running to cover. One of his surgeons was killed before 



40 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

his eyes. An enemy who 36 hours before, he supposed, 
was at the eastern end of Lake Erie, was before him at 
the head of a soHd body of troops, together with the war- 
riors ot Tecumseh and their aUies, ready to complete the 
work of slaughter as soon as a breach had been made 
through the stockade. And his best troops were some- 
where in the woods coming towards certain destruction, 
unconscious of their danger. Under such circumstances, 
most any man would have been agitated. 

The responsibility for deciding whether the fight 
should go on, and the lives, not only of the soldiers in the 
fort, but of the people of Detroit and those in the woods 
be put in peril, and exposed to the massacre which usual- 
ly followed a contest in which the Indians were successful. 
That responsibility if decided one way might bring in per- 
sonal glory, no matter what it cost in life, but if decided 
another way, might save all the lives and deprive himself 
of his standing as a military man. He chose the latter. 
His aide, Wallace, says he chose deliberately. He could 
have done it all under the exigency of a military ne- 
cessity, which demanded that he yield to the man who 
had command of both land and water. 

He decided that under the circumstances it was best 
to save all the lives of the people at the fort at Detroit, 
and of those who had gone for supplies. And so he made 
the surrender, which included those in and those out ot 
the fort. 

Such a surrender has been made in our day, one 
which included a whole province, and several stations, 
and the officers and men in them. The Spanish General 
Toral has not yet been tried before a court of enquiry and 
we do not yet know what Spain may think of the matter. 
But it is quite certain that the American people think the 
surrender was the act of a man who could see that further 
strife on his part would be a crime against humanity. 

The surrender of Detroit and the force under Col. 



General William Hull. 41 



McArthur, naturally angered the people, who knew that 
somebody was to blame, and were helped to fix the blame 
on the man who made the surrender, while those who, by 
bad generalship, had made the surrender a military 
necessity, were wholly overlooked. 

The occasion, however, furnished its Pando, as the 
surrender of Santiago and all the posts included in the 
Province, has given a Pando to Spain to excuse Toral or 
Sagasta. Our Pando, who had his life saved by being 
included in the surrender, hastened to Washington with 
his mouth full of charges against his late commander. 

He was the discoverer of the scapegoat for the Sec- 
retary of War and his Major General. A scapegoat who 
could be held in reserve for the final sacrifice which a 
court martial could easily prepare, and in due form offer, 
and, who could carry the sins of the Secretary and his 
associate in war, into the wilderness and so appease a dis- 
appointed and angry people. All that was necessary to 
do to complete the sacrifice, was to make sure of the 
right organization of the Court. As this was in the hands 
of the Secretary of War it was easily done by making the 
organizer of the fatal armistice its president, and securing 
as an assistant to the judge advocate, one of the most 
able lawyers and accomplished politicians, Martin Van 
Buren, and then calling on the Pando of the occasion for 
his opinion of the case. 

At this day it seems almost like a travesty of justice 
that a court thus organized should have power to declare 
that a man's life and reputation were forfeited, and that 
on no other ground than the opinion of his accusers. 

The accusers caused their charge to be sufficiently 
broad to secure a capital sentence. He was accused of 
both treason and cowardice. Such an accusation partook 
of the character of those suits for damages which specu- 
lative lawyers induce people who have met with accidents 
to bring against a city whose walks are so irregular as to 



42 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

cause an occasional fall. They must be large enough to 
allow for a fall in judgment. The charges of the accusers 
were large enough to allow a good deal of shrinkage and 
still reach the desired object, which was the ruin of the 
man who was to bear the curse of the failure in the man- 
agement of the war, which ended without having added a 
foot of territory to the United States, after all our battles 
on the Thames, and Erie, and Chippewa, and Lundy's 
Lane. 

The judge advocate's assistant, Mr. Van Buren, 
according to Mr. Wallace, who should have been a wit- 
ness on that trial, set that charge aside with the remark : 
"That the charge of treason was not only unsupported, 
but unsupportable." This was said on the trial which only 
took place after a full year of waiting. The testimony of 
Mr. Wallace, which would have been most worthy of 
being heard, was not before the court, owing to the inabil- 
ity of Mr. Wallace to reach the place of trial in time, 
coming in as Mr. Van Buren was making his speech. This 
was unfortunate for Gen'l Hull, since Mr. Wallace had 
acted as his adjutant and was better qualified by his close 
relations with the General to give an opinion on the real 
question which came before the court, viz : whether 
General Hull was a coward ? 

The court without taking the adjutant's opinion, de- 
cided the case according to the opinion of the Pando of 
the occasion, whose life, it is altogether probable, the 
General saved by including him in the surrender, and so 
taking him out of the hands of the Indians, who, as sub- 
sequent events showed, were capable of ambushing and 
desirous of having the barbaric pleasure of shedding the 
blood of the ambushed. 

The decision was "That General William Hull was 
a coward," and condemned him to death. 

The President, as commander-in-chiet of the army, in 
view of his distinguished services in the war of the Revo- 



General William ■ Hull. 43 



lution, changed the sentence to a dishonorable discharge 
from the army. 

And thus the public men furnished the scapegoat for 
the occasion and gave the historians, who saw no incon- 
sistency in calling a man brave under one set of circum- 
stances, and a paltroon, when the eyes of a whole nation 
were upon him, an opportunity to lay the disgrace of the 
failure to conquer the British in Canada upon the general 
whom they had sent through the wilderness, with un- 
mounted guns, to destroy forts and meet the combined 
forces of the British and Indians. 

A more critical view of what was taking place would 
have resulted in laying the failure upon those who had 
made the bad and foolish moves on the chess board, by 
which they had checkmated themselves. The game was 
badly played by those who were directing the moves. 
A good many men were sacrificed at Fort Erie, at 
Chippewa, at Lundy's Lane and other places, and not a 
foot of land could be shown as the trophy of the war. 
The army under Hull was pushed into Canada without a 
single mounted cannon, causing a delay of weeks while 
the artillery was being mounted. It was pushed up into 
a wilderness 250 miles from its base of supplies without a 
single vessel by which supplies of men and food and 
ammunition could be forwarded. 

The enemy had ships. The armistice which existed 
at the eastern end of Lake Erie and which left out the 
western end, was made exceedingly useful by means of 
these ships, which General Brock used to convey his un- 
occupied troops to Maiden. 

It took Perry a whole year to construct vessels with 
which to fight the battle which destroyed the fleet of 
Proctor. But when Perry had fought his battle and de- 
stroyed or captured the British fleet, the recovery of 
Detroit was at once secured. Proctor without a fleet 
dare not hold Detroit. And as some unthinking histor- 



44 The Maumee Valley Pioneer A isociation. 

ians might say, " he disgracefully evacuated it." And 
yet he was not tried for cowardice and condemned on the 
opinion of novices in war. 

The evacuation of Detroit, as the result of Perry's 
victory, was the justification of Hull for its surrender the 
year before. 

General Hull knew more about war than all his 
young men, who in their morning gowns, were criticising 
the conduct of their commander, an offence, for which, in 
our day they would have been liable to a courtmartial 
and severe punishment, and he knew that with water 
communication cut off from his fort, and with a fleet in 
thejhands of the enemy, and with his own force weakened 
by the absence at that critical juncture, of 360 of his best 
men and his most reliable commander, that the surrender 
of the fort was a military necessity to save alive those 
under his care. 

He is no coward, whatever the Falstafs may say, 
who dares to act according to his convictions,* and from 
what can be gathered from those who were with him on 
that occasion, to whom he opened his heart, it is certain 
that he had the moral courage to decide the case against 
himself and in favor of those whose lives had been en- 
trusted to his care. The odium of the surrender should 
have rested on those who lelt him out of the armistice, 
and thus enabled the commander ot the British force to 
concentrate a sufficient force at Maiden to warrant him to 
demand an immediate surrender, and on the refusal of 
Gen. Hull, to attempt to take him by force. With the 
fleet Brock was strong ; and without it Hull was weak. 
When Perry had put a fleet into the hands of General 
Harrison, and taken away the one on which Proctor re- 
lied, then he was strong enough to make his march into 
Canada, and fight the battle of the Thames. 

When General Toral, at Santiago, found himself 
without a fleet, and unable to get away, it became a mili- 



0-eneral William Hull. 45 



tary necessity to surrender to General Shafter a force of 
23,000 men, an army over twice as large as the force to 
which the surrender was made. 

It is, in these days, considered a crime against 
humanity to fight and destroy, when, from a military point 
of view, the case seems hopeless. This was the view 
taken by the great generals of the war for the liberation 
of the slaves. General Lee and General Johnston each 
had a large number of troops when they surrendered and 
abandoned the cause. This law required Gen. Hull to 
surrender when he found his case hopeless, and there was 
no one on the ground whose opinion was worth a cent 
against the judgment of an old and experienced warrior, 
who had once been invited to become an aide to General 
Washington, and declined the flattering invitation, be- 
cause Baron Steuben wanted him to remain with him in 
order to drill and handle the troops. 

This military history saved his life, but the opinions 
of those novices in war, destroyed his military character. 
Such a work nothing but the most unequivocal overt acts 
would justify. Character should always be a shield 
against calumny. And that character which has been 
gained in one war and recognized by his contemporaries, 
who had placed him in positions of great trust, should not 
only have saved him from death, but also from official de- 
gradation. But when a scapegoat is needed, the opinions 
of novfces and ambitious young men are sufficient, it 
would seem, to warrant the blackening of an honorable 
name. 

But history, sooner or later, takes up the case, and 
then it often happens that the scapegoat of one age be- 
comes the man to be honored in the next. The fathers 
kill the prophets, but the children build their monuments. 

The people generally desire that justice be done, and 
that the wronged should be righted. And it is not at all 
a thing which can be considered impossible, that, when 
the history of that surrender comes to be written by one 
who cares only for facts and not for opinions, it may be 
found to have been a surrender tor which General William 
Hull shall be held in high honor, as the best possible 
move which could be made under the circumstances. 



46 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



COMMUNICATION WITH GEN. LAWTON. 



Whitehouse, O., Sept. 20, '98. 
Gen. Lawton, Santiago, Cuba. 

Dear Sir: — At the reunion of the Maumee Valley 
Pioneer Association, held Sept. loth, at the Old Court 
House at Maumee, Ohio, upon motion of Hon. James M. 
Wolcott, Mayor of Maumee, you were elected to be an 
honorary member of the Association. It was there re- 
ported that you were, in an early day, a citizen of 
Maumee. The members of the Association take great 
pleasure in your preferment and success and hope you 
may live to serve your country many years. 

Yours, etc., 

J. L. Pray, Sec'y. 



INSPECTOR GENERAL S OFFICE. 

Washington, Nov. i6th, 1898. 
Secretary Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Dear Sir: — Your favor dated Sept. 20th, from To- 
ledo, Ohio, and postmarked Whitehouse, Ohio, Oct. 15th, 
has been forwarded to me and was received to-day. 

I desire to express to the Maumee Valley Pioneer 
Association my high appreciation of the honor they have 
conferred upon me by electing me a member of their 
Association. It is very gratifying indeed to feel that in 
the simple performance of plain duty, my conduct has 
been so heartily approved and appreciated by my friends. 



Communication with General Lawton. 47 

I have observed that there has been some controversy 
among some of my friends relative to the place of my 
birth, and that there may be no misapprehension on that 
point with the Maumee Valley Pioneer Association, I 
desire to state that I was born in Manhattan, (near 
Toledo, Ohio,) March 17th, 1843, although my parents 
removed almost immediately to Maumee City, Ohio, 
where I spent my boyhood. 

Very respectfully, 

H. W. Lawton, 

Maj. Gen. U. S. V. 



48 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



LETTER FROM GEN. CROGHAN. 



An original autograph letter was presented to the 
Association by Mrs. George B. Knaggs, of Miami. The 
letter is held by the secretary. It explains itself: 

Washington, 9th October, 1845. 

My Dear Sir: — Not having received an answer to 
my letter written about the 20th of last month, I take for 
granted either that it miscarried or that you remained 
longer from home than you proposed when we parted. 
Be this, however, as it may, you are now, I trust, with 
Mrs. Knaggs by your own fireside and in the full enjoy- 
ment of health. I am detained here by official duty but 
hope to get away in the course of a fortnight as I have 
not as yet seen my family who are now on the North 
River with my father-in-law, Mr. Livingston. My resi- 
dence is Philadelphia, but we are not due there before 
the middle of November. 

I will visit Baltimore next week for the purpose of 
effecting a life insurance which will be inclosed to you 
together with my note, agreeably to the understanding 
between us. Should I not hear from you in the mean- 
time, I shall at all events take it for granted that you 
will be informed by the 15th of November. 

Should you write please direct your letters to this 
place. Make my kindest regards to your wife and 
believe me, Your friend, 

G. Croghan. 

To George B. Knaggs, 

Maumee City. 



Memorial. 49 



OF 

MR. JOHN E. BAILEY. 

BY D. B. S. 



Mr. John E. Bailey passed away at his residence, 
corner of Collingwood avenue and Bancroft street, Sunday 
A. M., August 2ist, at 5:30 o'clock. 

He was taken seriously ill some three months ago, 
and has since been confined to his bed. Recently the 
disease developed into pneumonia, and for several days 
the family have realized that there was no hope. A 
wife and two daughters — Mrs. H. E. Marvin, of this city, 
and Mrs. John G. Croxton, of Philadelphia, survive him. 

John Emery Bailey was born in Burk, Vermont, 
September 30th, 18 17. When he was two years of age 
his parents moved to Ohio, settling at Madison. Young 
Bailey's early life was uneventful, and he finally married 
and located at Painesville. While there he and his two 
brothers constructed a ship building plant at Fairport. 

In 1868 he and his brother, D. E. Bailey, established 
a ship yard at the foot of Ash street, this city. They 
gained a great reputation along the lakes, and turned out 
some of the largest and best modern vessels ever built, 
among them being the David Dows (the only five masted 
vessel on the lakes when it was built,) the Adams, City 
of Painesville, Wilcox and Halloran. They employed a 
large number of men, and had as many as five ships on 
the stocks at one time. In 1877 iron and steel ships came 
into general use, and the Baileys gave up the business. 
Meanwhile, in 1875, they bought a controlling interest in 
the Summit street railroad, and the subject of this sketch 



50 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

took active charge ot the line. At that time it was what 
might be termed a "one-horse" road. The various lines 
were extended and improved. He remained at the head 
of this system up to the time he sold out his interests to 
Messrs. Ream and Hale. 

When the city water works plant was constructed, Mr. 
Bailey took the contract to build the stand pipe, and with 
his characteristic energy accomplished the work without 
accident. 

Mr. Bailey always took a deep interest in municipal 
affairs, and in the late 70's was a member of the city 
council. As an official he was a hard worker, and a con- 
servative, conscientious public servant. Anything that 
would advance Toledo gained his support, and no man 
had greater faith in her future. 

He won and deservedly held the high esteem of all 
business men with whom he came in contact, for his fidel- 
ity and uprightness of character. 

Deceased was a member of the Congregational 
church, and for ten years a trustee. He supported the 
church liberally, and was active in many charities. 



Memorial. 



OF 

MARQUISE BALDWIN. 

BY D. B, S. 



We are indebted to the History of Lucas County by 
Hon. Clark Waggoner, for some of the details of this 
brief history, 

Mr. Marquise Baldwin was born in Palmyra, Portage 
County, Ohio, January 22d, 1809. He came to Toledo 
in 1823 at the age of 14 and entered business life with 
his brother John in 1828. During this engagement the 
Baldwins built the first warehouse on the river. It was a 
log structure and of course of very moderate dimensions. 
It was located at what is now the foot of Monroe street. 
When the roof and the punchion floor was completed, an 
invitation was sent to all the residents of the valley to 
attend a dance there. I have heard old settlers repeatedly 
comment on it as an enjoyable meeting. Events of suffi- 
cient import to call the people together were rare in those 
days and of course they enjoyed it. Some of those 
present have told me that the French fiddler was asleep 
half the time towards morning, but the fiddle unfailingly 
responded to "Money Musk" and the "Virginia Reel" 
all the same. 

In 1845 M'*- Baldwin removed to a farm in Washing- 
ton Township, where he remained 16 years, since which 
he resided in Toledo until his death in 1896. For a 
while he was engaged in the grocery and provision trade, 
but the latter years of his life were [free from business 
cares and devoted to the charge of his property. 

Mr. Baldwin was married to the widow of his brother, 



52 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

to whom two children were born, both of whom died at 
the age of five years. He was a democrat until the 
organization of the republican party with which he was 
subsequently allied. He was often solicited to stand for 
office, but always declined. Throughout a long life of 
87 years he retained the respect and esteem of a large 
circle of friends. 



Memorial. 



53 



OF 

ROBERT H. BELL, 

FROM TOLEDO BLADE. 



Robert H. Bell, a pioneer business man and citizen 
of Toledo, died at the Toledo Hospital on April 24th, 
1898. He was taken seriously ill about two weeks before 




ROBERT H. BELL. 



his death and gradually sank to his final rest. He was 
nearly 80 years of age and his advanced years were the 
real cause of his inability to overcome the attack ot his 



54 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

last disease. A large concourse of sympathizing friends 
attended his funeral services which were held at the First 
Congregational Church in Toledo. 

Mr. Bell was born in Youngstown, Westmoreland 
County, Pa., December i6th, 1823. In 1825, the family 
removed to Middlebury, now Akron, O. When 21 years 
of age, he went to St. Joseph, Mich., where he formed 
the firm of Bell & Kent, merchants. In 1845 they re- 
moved to Chicago, where they engaged in like business. 
As a result of the loss of what was known as the "Wabash 
trade," through the opening of the Wabash canal to 
Toledo, Chicago soon was brought to a crisis, which 
largely prostrated its business and reduced its population. 
After two years of waiting for its revival, Mr. Bell decided 
to follow the lost trade, and he came to Toledo in 1847. 
Here, with the late James Deveau, he organized the firm 
of Bell & Deveau, the first exclusive wholesale house in 
the city. The firm dealt in pretty much of everything, 
save hardware, drugs and medicines. During the first 
year a trade aggregating $55,000 was built up, and in 
those days that was considered immense. In 1853 the 
firm was enlarged, and was known as Bell, Deveau & 
Co., W. S. B. Hubbell being made a partner. In 1856 
another change was made, the firm name being Bolles, 
Bell & Hubbell. The business grew to such an extent 
that a division was made in 1858, Bell, Holcomb & Co. 
conducting the wholesale grocery business, and Bolles & 
Co. going on with the dry goods business. In 1864 
George Emerson purchased Horace Holcomb's interest 
in the grocery business, and the firm was known as Bell, 
Emerson & Co. until 1871, when Mr. Bell retired. 

The deceased then operated to some extent in real 
estate, the result of which, in consequence of the financial 
disaster following the panic of 1873, was unfortunate. 

His active life was always identified with the public 
welfare in different ways. Commencing as a member of 



Memorial. 55 

the Chicago Engine company, No. 3, of which he was 
foreman, he resumed such service on coming to Toledo, 
and maintained the same for a period of eighteen years, 
during most of which time he served as assistant and 
foreman of Engine No. i, and as assistant and chief 
engineer of the department, withdrawing in 1866. 

"It is safe to say," says a history of the city, "that 
to no other citizen is Toledo more deeply indebted for 
the efficiency of its volunteer fire department than to Mr. 
Bell, whose long and active devotion in that connection 
was without interruption." 

He also placed the people of Toledo under special 
obligation to him for courageous and effective service 
rendered during the different visitations of cholera in 1849, 
1852 and 1854. "Regardless of personal ease and safety," 
says the same authority, "and with the open hand of 
liberality, he sought out and ministered to the needs of 
victims of that dread scourge, regardless of age, sex, con- 
dition or nativity. Like liberality and enterprise have 
distinguished him in connection with other matters of 
public concern as occasion offered." 

In July 1852, Mr. Bell was a member of Toledo's vol- 
unteer police, serving with the following named persons : 
Gen. Joseph W. Brown, Col C. B. Phillipps, Joel W. 
Kelsey, Peter F. Berdan, John R. Bond, William Kraus, 
Andrew Schurtz, I. N. Hathaway, Henry Ketcham, I. R. 
Nelson, Jacob Landman, W. W. Howe, Egbert B. Brown. 

He will be especially remembered for his generosity 
and patriotism. During the years of his prosperity no 
citizen of Toledo gave more freely to the needy and des- 
titute, but his kindly heart was always quick to tender 
sympathy and comfort by word and act to those in sorrow 
or distress. During the years of the civil war Robert H. 
Bell was always in the front in every act of patriotic 
endeavor ; and no one was more zealous and earnest in 
upholding the hands of the government. He was always 



56 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

on committees to assist in raising recruits and his name 
as a rule headed the list of those contributing means to 
promote the success of the war. His liberality to the 
widow and orphan or those deprived of their natural sup- 
port and protection, who had fallen in battle or who were 
at the front risking their lives for their country, was 
proverbial. No one will ever know the number who 
were sought out and assisted by the kindness and gener- 
osity of Robert H. Bell. 

Though never holding an office of profit he gratuit- 
ously served his fellow citizens in different public positions 
including those of councilman and alderman. During the 
past two years he has been bailiff in Judge Morris' court, 
and he served in that capacity until attacked by his last 
illness. 

Politically, he started life as a Whig, acting with that 
party until it was merged into the Republican party, with 
which he has since acted, and of which he was the nom- 
inee for sheriff in 1885, though not elected. 

Mr. Bell was married to Miss Delia A. Chittenden, 
of Akron, February 22d, 1844. They had four children, 
John M., of Chicago ; Nettie T., wife of Alex. Backus, 
of this city ; Roberta, of Toledo, all of whom are dead, 
and one dying in infancy. His wife preceded him to the 
grave two years ago. 



Memorial. 



OF- 

MORGAN L. AND LUCINDA LEWIS COLLINS. 

BY S. C. 



Morgan Lewis Collins was born February 25th, 1807, 
in Brownsville, Jefferson County, N. Y., the youngest son 
of J. W. and M. L. Collins. His father dying in 1810, 
the family soon after removed to Summer Hill, Cauga 
County. At the age of fourteen, M. L. went to a sister's 
in Gaines, Orleans County, where he made his home, 
and remained in that vicinity until 1834, being some years 
in business in Lockport. On June 19, 1833, he was mar- 
ried to Lucinda Lewis, at Batavia, Genessee County, N. 
Y., her grand parents being among the early settlers of 
western New York. In February, 1834, Mr. and Mrs. 
Collins came to the then new city of Toledo. As there 
were no railroads west of Buffalo at that time, they pack- 
ed their small outfit on a wagon, and with a good pair of 
horses and two men, started to seek a home in what their 
friends thought the far west. Driving to Lewiston, they 
crossed the Niagara river and journeyed through the wil- 
derness ot Canada, stopping at night at such country 
taverns as they could find. On reaching the Detroit 
river, they found the ice so thin that they were obliged to 
divide their load as much as possible, and each man chose 
a different place to cross. Mrs. Collins was placed on a 
hand-sled and drawn across to Detroit, and I have heard 
her say she did not think she breathed while crossing, for 
as the men tried the ice to find safe footing, the water 
would follow the withdrawal of the pole, and they found 
great difficulty in landing the horses, the ice giving wa}- 



58 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

under their weight. On arriving at Toledo, Mr. and Mrs. 
Collins settled at Tremainesville, where there were a few 
houses, a store and post office, on land through which 
Detroit avenue and the Toledo & Detroit and Michigan 
Central railroads now run. 

In the spring of 1836 they removed to Adrian, Mich- 
igan, where Mr. Collins engaged in the dry goods busi- 
ness, remaining there until the summer of 1841, when 
they returned to Toledo, where for many years Mr. Col- 
lins was engaged in the forwarding and commission busi- 
ness, and later in the lumber trade. He was for several 
years a member of the Board oi Education, and during 
that time worked earnestly to secure a high school, and 
was a member of the Board which purchased the site of 
the present high school, and erected the building which 
was burned in 1895. When the First Congregational 
Church was organized, Mrs. Collins was one of the first 
members, and in July, 1844, Mr. Collins united with it, 
which memberships they maintained throughout their 
lives. Of a kindly, cheerful disposition, Mr. Collins was 
the friend of old and young, his home a place where all 
who knew him knew they would be welcomed by both 
himself and wife. He died April 6, 1865, his wife surviv- 
ing him until called to her rest August 20, 1897, at the 
age of Sy years. 



Memorial. 59 



OF 

JOHN EMMICK COWDRICK. 

BY N. B. C. LOVE. 



John E. Cowdrick was born in Dayton, Ohio, Janu- 
ary 19th, 1 82 1. When about two years old his parents 
removed to New Jersey, the former home of his father, 
where they remained eight years. The family then came 
to the Maumee, living in and near Waterville for three 
years, after which they settled five miles below Napoleon, 
on a tarm now owned by Joseph Rodgers, where Mr. 
Cowdrick's youth and early manhood were spent. He 
was the oldest of a family of eleven children, three of 
whom are now living. 

Mr. Cowdrick was one of the oldest pioneers of the 
Maumee valley, being familiar during his boyhood with 
Indian life, and the hardships of early pioneer days. 
Later he witnessed the building of the canal. 

MARRIAGE. 

In September, 1850, he was married to Miss Sarah 
A. Clapp. In 1857 he was elected Auditor of Henry 
County, after which he removed with his family to Na- 
poleon. He occupied the office of Auditor for four years. 

After a residence in Napoleon of fourteen years he 
removed to the present home of his family, on the south 
side of the river. 

ACCIDENT. 

On January 12th, 1898, he was thrown from his 
buggy, receiving injuries which were, at first, not consid- 
ered serious, but which proved fatal Sabbath noon, Janu- 
ary 23rd. 



60 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

BEGINNING AND ENDING. 

"Born January 19th, 1821, 
Died January 23rd, 1898." 

Between these two lines lie the story of a noble life, 
a life of action and purpose. Coming to the woods of 
the Maumee river at the age of ten, he was able to share 
and remember the hardships, privations and joys of the 
pioneer — for there was a joy in that wild free life that the 
earlier pioneers never forgot, and that still binds the few 
that are left with a strong tie. Hunting the deer by 
torch light in bark canoes, spearing fish at the rapids, 
shooting wild turkey, were enjoyable. Eating corn bread 
regularly, no fruit, no newspapers nor schools, snow blow- 
ing through the roof in winter, were hardships and priva- 
tions. His first serious work in life was cleaning his 
father's farm from bail debt, incurred by being or the 
bond of a defaulting county treasurer. He bid the farm 
in at public sale. The commissioners gave him time, and 
he paid the amount claimed by raising corn in summer 
and hauling saw logs in winter. 

PUBLIC OFFICER. 

At 37 he was elected auditor of Henry county, mov- 
ing from his farm to Napoleon. This was over 40 years 
ago. He was elected to a second term, filling the office 
with credit to himself and satisfaction of the people of the 
county, irrespective of party. He was next appointed 
administrator of the estate of T. S. C. Morrison, the first 
editor of the Democratic Northwest. To illustrate the 
confidence then existing among business men, he often 
told of how, hearing that Mr. Morrison had money de- 
posited with A. Pilliod, county treasurer, he went to the 
treasurer's office and asked Mr. P. about the matter. Mr. 
Pilliod made no reply, but opening the door of the safe 
and getting down on his knees in front of it, clawed out 
with his hands a collection of silver and gold coin and 



Memorial. 61 



notes, and placing it on a table in front of father, said : 
"There, that belonged to Tom," "What is the amount?" 
was asked. "Oh," replied PilHod, "I don't know. Tom 
had that shelf, and he just put his money in and took it 
out as he pleased." I don't know if the money and notes 
were counted then or not, but it made no difference as 
both were honest men. 

BUSINESS LIFE 

About 1868 to '70 he engaged in business in Napo- 
leon, buying the grocery store of D. Harley. This not 
proving suited to his tastes he bought the farm near Na- 
poleon, where he has since lived, moving there in 1873. 
He was secretary of the Union school board in Napoleon 
for twelve or fourteen years, and had as much concern 
and worked as hard to secure the building now in use as 
any other man. In 1880 he was appointed by Judge 
Owen as one of the three men to divide the Yeager estate 
among the heirs, serving with Mr. Barber and Col. Brig- 
ham, of Fulton County. None but men of good and 
sound judgment could have apportioned this large estate, 
and no trouble ensued. He also served with John Wil- 
son and D. Welsted as appraisers on the same estate. 
He was one of the three men chosen to appraise and di- 
vide the Patrick estate These two estates were the 
largest in area, if not in value, ever settled in this county. 

The last fifteen years he led a peaceful retired life. 
Not obliged to work hard, he enjoyed the society of his 
children and friends. Loved to attend the annual meet- 
ings of old settlers, enjoyed his fire-side in winter, and his 
shade of maple and peach trees in summer. Was active 
for a man of his age, liked to drive a lively horse, read 
current literature, kept up with the times, being ever 
cheerful and hopeful. 

He died at 12 o'clock noon on Sunday, after linger- 
ing for a few weeks suffering from the injuries received by 



62 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

being thrown from his buggy. Mr. Cowdrick was more 
seriously hurt in the accident than was at first supposed. 
Before discovered he lay unconscious on the cold earth 
for half an hour, which helped to end his earthly work. 

A PIONEER. 

At the time of death deceased was 'jj years and four 
days of age, having been a resident of this county for 64 
years, 40 years of which time was spent in Napoleon and 
Harrison township. He came to Wood county, this state, 
with his parents from New Jersey in the year 1831, and 
three years later moved to this county. He was married 
in September, 1850, to Miss Sarah A. Clapp, to which 
union was born four children, three sons and one daughter, 
all ot whom are living, and who together with the stricken 
wife, are left to mourn the departure of a kind husband 
and indulgent father. 

Mr. Cowdrick was a prominent and useful citizen of 
the county, whose death cast a deep gloom over the com- 
munity. He was honest and upright, and his character 
was above reproach. He was among the few old original 
pioneers of Henry county who are living at this time, and 
his reminiscences of the early history of the Maumee Val- 
ley were varied and instructive. Some of these are pub- 
lished in the Pioneer Manual of 1898. The funeral took 
place from the family residence in Harrison Township on 
Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Donahey of the Presbyterian 
Church conducting the services. 

A CHRISTIAN. 

Mr. Cowdrick has lived in the Christian faith for 
more than fifty years. Those who knew him best in the 
home and in the community testify to the integrity and 
the consistency of his faith, while a member of the 
Baptist church, yet he fellowshiped all Christians. He 
worshiped mostly with the Presbyterian congregation. 
No self interest ever blinded him to the right. The man 



Memorial. 63 



over whom he had an advautage was sure to get the best 
of the bargain. When told he must use the Hquor in- 
fluence in order to be elected Auditor, his reply was, 
"Then I will be defeated." His judgment in all the 
affairs of life was most excellent and his opinion was 
sought and valued. He was a man of fine sensibilities 
and posessed a quick, poetic sense of the beautiful, while 
a quaint fund of humor relieved what might have been 
otherwise the too great seriousness of his character. But 
above all, beneath all, permeating all was the develop- 
ment of deep, steadily strengthing spiritual life. A friend 
writes, "As we stood beside all that was mortal of our friend 
we saw, nay felt, the smile ineffible that transfigured a 
face which had been lined by care and pain and time. 
Death had touched it with mysterious fingers, and lo, the 
lines were smoothed away, the face had grown young 
again and strangely beautiful, with a look as though the 
departing spirit, seeing beyond the gates into the holy 
city, had left its imprint — a something for which nothing 
in the natural world will account. It sheds light upon bible 
mysteries, yet is itself a mystery — a glorious one ! Even 
'Death swallowed up in victory 

Said another who stood beside his coffin: "I would 
an Inorersoll could stand here. I think I could ask him a 
few questions that he would find it hard to answer." 
"And he was not; for God took him." 

The day before his death he was heard to say : 
"Swept and garnished and ready for the Master." 

It was even so. The sheaf of ripened grain laid on 
his coffin by loving hands was typical of the sheaf he has 
'ere this laid at the Master's feet. 

"And I heard a voice from heaven saying, write, 
blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from hence- 
forth; yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their 
labors, and their works do follow them." 



64 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

\ OF 

THOMAS DANIELS, 

BY D. B. S. 



I am indebted to the Lucas County History by Hon. 
Clark Waggoner for many facts concerning Mr. Daniels. 

Mr. Thomas Daniels was born in Wales in 1822, and 
came to Toledo with his father's family in 1837. He was 
first engaged as a clerk by Doctor Charles McLean, a 
druggist at 313 Summit street. Doctor McLean soon 
removed to Washington City and not long afterwards Mr. 
Daniels established himself in the same line of business 
and continued it to the end of his life, July 14th, 1898. 

At the date of his advent here, the late Hiram Wal- 
bridge was a teacher of a private school, and the late 
Edward Bissell, senior, was the president and manager of 
the Erie and Kalamazoo railway bank and resided at the 
corner of Summit and Vine streets. The house is yet 
standing. The stumps had not yet been removed from 
Cherry street, now a compactly built and paved thorough- 
fare. Skating from Adams street on the flats to Monroe 
street was an easy accomplishment. 

The author of this memorial desires to add to the 
universal sentiment of respect and esteem for the char- 
acter of Mr. Daniels, his own high estimate of his 
character during a period of fifty years. His unsullied 
reputation for integrity in business, the kindly spirit that 
characterized his intercourse with all people, the affection 
for his family and devotion to the church were leading 
elements of his nature which endeared him to a wide 
circle of friends. The lot falls to only a few to live so 
long and blameless a life, and great numbers are sorrow- 
ing for his loss. 



Memorial. 65 



OF 

JOHN C, DILGART. 

BY MRS. D. 



John C. Dilgart was born June 24th, 1823, in Buck 
County, Pa. His parents moved to this county when he 
was ten years of age. They traveled overland by wagon. 
They were twelve or fourteen days passing through the 
Black Swamp. Reaching Perrysburg they crossed the 
river on a scow and settled three miles west of Maumee, 
at that time a wilderness, where they erected a log house. 
The location was inhabited mostly by Indians, iurther 
west of them being an Indian settlement, and they were 
obliged to pass their house every three months on their 
way to Maumee for their quarterly pension, oftentimes 
stopping on their return to seek lodging, and were always 
friendly and generous with gifts of venison and honey. 

His father, Henry Dilgart, sat on the first jury trial 
ever held in Lucas County, the county seat then being at 
Maumee. At the age of 26 the subject of this memorial 
was married to Miss Adelma Thompson, daughter of the 
late R. C. Thompson, of Sylvania. The surviving mem- 
bers are his wife, two sons and families. The deceased, 
with his family, moved to Toledo, O., in the spring of 
1865, taking up their residence in East Toledo, where 
they lived until the death of R. C. Thompson. They 
then moved to the old homestead near Sylvania and 
remained there two years. They returmtd to their present 
home in Auburndale where the deceased has lived until 
the time of his death which occurred Saturday, June 25th, 
1898, in his 75th year. 



66 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association, 

]VlE:N10Fei-A.I_^ 

OF 

BENONI T. GEER. 



Benoni T. Geer was born in Chittenden County, 
Vermont, in 1825 ; moved to Avon, Lorain County, Ohio, 
in 1832; at the age of sixteen went to Norwalk, O., to 
attend normal school, graduated, and immediately began 
the study of law; went to Cincinnati in 1852 to complete 
law studies, and was admitted to the bar in 1853. In the 
same year he removed to Swanton, Lucas County, Ohio, 
and commenced the practice of law, which he continued 
during life. 

He married Louisa Jones at Norwalk in 1842, from 
which union one son, Frank B., was born. After her 
death he married Velina L. Marsh, of Swanton, in i860, 
who died in 1871 and was interred at East Swanton. 
From this union were born Wakely W., Elsworth W., 
Louella V., Ernest B. and Edith L. In 1872 he married 
Sarah E. Dixon (who survives him), at Wauseon, O , and 
to them were born Otis A., Grace B. and Ray P. 

The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. N. 
B. C. Love, of Elmore, O., who had been sent for the 
occasion. The text chosen was St. John 10, loth verse: 
"I came that they may have life, and may have it more 
abundantly." 

Dr. Love's sermon was eloquent and at times touch- 
ing. Referring to the deceased, he said he had known 
him for a quarter of a century as a true friend, a loyal 
citizen and a man of irreproachable integrity. In closing. 
Dr. Love read a brief sketch of Mr. Geer's life as given- 
above. 



Memorinl. 67 



Judge H. H. Ham, of Wauseon, representing the 
Fulton County Bar Association, was present and spoke 
eloquently and well of his deceased brother lawyer, after 
which he read the resolutions of respect unanimously 
adopted by that association as follows : 

We, the bar of Fulton County assembled at the 
Court House on this 6th day of June, 1899, to pass such 
resolutions of respect to the memory and fidelity of our 
deceased brother as should be a just tribute of respect to 
his memory and fidelity to his chosen profession. The 
following resolutions were offered, and unanimously 
adopted by the bar there assembled : 

Be it Remembered, That Benoni T. Geer has been 
an active, practicing attorney at the bar of Ohio for the 
half century last passed, and has borne the enviable 
reputation of having stood manfully by the multitude of 
clients that he has represented, not only in the State, but 
in the Federal Courts of Ohio. That he was not only 
courageous to the Court, but convincing in argument to 
his juries, manly and dignified to the opposing counsel, 
firmly and unflinchingly upholding his case when seem- 
ingly it was imperiled, fighting to the finish and resisting, 
with a power which he peculiarly possessed, all inroads 
upon his side of the case, sought to be made by the op- 
posing counsel. He never has been accused of bribery 
or infidelity to the interest that he represented. He was 
always on time, and never seemed to take his mind from 
a case while it was in progress, even though the same 
continued for days at a time. He was honest; his 
accounts with his clients were kept with the strictest 
fidelity. He was never known to oppress the poor or 
needy, but on the contrary his giving hand was always 
out-held to many in distress, and from his purse many 
dollars have been passed over to the needy, who in turn 
have showered their prayers and blessings upon the de- 
ceased brother. 



68 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



He was a man fearless in litigation, yet he carried 
the tender heart of a child in his bosom. 

He is dead. He has gone to that bourne from which 
no traveler ever returns. Therefore, be it again remem- 
bered, that in his loss we, the bar of Fulton County, lose 
a high-minded lawyer, a companionable and social friend, 
a successful jurist and amiable gentleman, and the people 
surrounding, a good and noble citizen. 

Mr. Geer was spending last Sunday at the home of 
his son Otis, and said he felt unusually well and happy. 
At about 4:45 o'clock he walked about the room and bade 
those present .good-bye and gave a parting hand-shake. 
He then went to the home of his eldest daughter, Mrs. 
Charles Trumbull, was taken suddenly ill and died at 5 p. 
m. Interment took place at East Swanton. 




BENONI T. GEER 



Memorial. 69 



]VlE:^]VLOFei.A.lL^ 

OF 

WARREN B. GUNN. 

BY I. N. V. T. 



Among the staunch and highly respected pioneers 
who have been called from among us within the past two 
years, is Warren B. Gunn. 

He was born in what is now Waterville Township 
September 5, 1820. He was the third of eight children 
born to Willard and Elizabeth (Grant) Gunn. The father 
of Warren R. Gunn was a native of Massachusetts, being 
reared on a farm, where he remained until 18 16, when he 
removed to Ohio and entered land near where the town 
of Waterville is situated. At this time ther^ were very 
few settlers in the region, there being only two other 
families in the vicinity. 

Willard set to work industriously and soon had a 
comfortable log cabin erected, into which he moved his 
family. He brought a supply of seed and grain from his 
eastern home with which to plant his new farm, and soon 
had several acres cleared and under cultivation. He en- 
listed as a private in the war of 181 2, in which he saw 
active service. The grandfather of our sketch was Martin 
Gunn. He was also a native of Massachusetts, and came 
with his son to the Maumee Valley, where he remained 
until his death. His ancestors were from Scotland. 

Warren B. Gunn, the subject of this sketch, was 
reared on a farm, where he remained until he was nine- 
teen. At this time he bought his time of his father, and 
began attending school at Waterville, where he secured a 
very fair education. During his earlier years he attended 



70 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

school in the little log school houses of the vicinity for only 
a few months during the winter of each year. 

In 1837 ^^ was in charge of a force of men who were 
building the canal, and was a member of the engineering 
department for about a year. For a time after the com- 
pletion of the canal he, with a brother, was engaged in 
the saw milling business. This business was successful. 
Warren sold out to his brother, and rented a part of his 
father's farm. 

About this time the canal lands were placed upon the 
market, and Warren purchased two hundred acres in what 
is now Monclova Township, and for which he paid $2 an 
acre. This land was all in the woods and swamps, and 
he went to work zealously to clear and subdue the land. 
He built a log cabin and did most of the work himself. 

In 1844, January 4, he was united in marriage to 
Miss Eliza Jane Martindale, daughter ot Elisha and Clara 
(Conant) Martindale. She was born on a farm where 
Maumee now stands, October 26, 1826. The father of 
Mrs. Gunn was a native of Massachusetts, where he was 
reared and received his education. He came to Ohio in 
18 1 8, and settled first in what is now Lucas County, but 
later removed to Wood County, purchasing two hundred 
acres of land which is now included in the corporate limits 
of Bowling Green. 

In politics our worthy subject was a staunch Repub- 
lican, and always took an active interest in the various 
campaigns in which the party was concerned. He held 
the office of clerk for six years after the township was or- 
ganized. He served the same number of years as Justice 
of the Peace. He was public spirited and took a deep 
interest in whatever promised to advance the interests of 
his township, city or country. 

In 1892 the subject of our sketch removed from his 
farm to Maumee, purchasing a pleasant home on Broad- 
way, where he and his estimable wife enjoyed for a num- 



Memorial. 71 



ber of years a well earned retirement from the harder ser- 
vice of the farm. 

He was stricken with cancer which resulted fatally on 
January 22, 1898. At the time of his death his age was 
jj years, 4 months and 17 days. He was an honored 
member of the Carver and Gunn Reunion Association, 
and was the first to die after its organization in 1896. 
Socially he was a Mason, being at the time of his death a 
member of Northern Light Lodge No. 40, of Maumee. 
He was appointed by the Grand Master of the State to 
organize Wakeman Lodge at Waterville, where he served 
two years as Grand Master. He was for five years Mas- 
ter of the lodge at Maumee. 

From 1886 to 1 891 he was President of the Lucas 
County Pioneer Association, there being but one older 
settler born in the county. He never united with a 
church, but believed in and practiced the Golden Rule. 
In business life he was prompt and capable. In private 
and social life he was regarded with affection and respect 
for his many genial and honorable qualities. 



72 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

OF 

COL. NAT HAUGHTON. 

FROM THE BLADE. 



Colonel Nathaniel Haughton, founder of the Haugh- 
ton Machine and Foundry company, ex-soldier and well 
known politician, died at St. Vincent's hospital, January 
30th, 1899 of pneumonia. He was 65 years of age and 
leaves a family of a wife and five children. 

The first illness of Colonel Haughton was announced 
a week ago. He was suffering at that time from the 
effects of a severe fall on an icy pavement. Later he was 
taken to the hospital, having developed pneumonia, and 
died this morning. The funeral will take place on Thurs- 
day from his residence at the corner of Missouri street 
and CoUingwood avenue. 

Colonel Haughton was probably one of the best 
known men in Toledo, having lived in the city all his life. 
He was born on a farm in Washington township, located 
on what is now Central avenue, on February 12th, 1834. 
At the age of 16 years he joined one of the first overland 
expeditions to California in search of gold. He pros- 
pected in the west for four years, and then returned to 
Toledo. After a short residence here he went to 
Ypsilanti, where he took a course at college, and return- 
ing again to this city, entered the grocery aud dry goods 
business at the corner of St. Clair and Monroe streets. 
He was successful in business and conducted the store 
until the breaking out of the civil war, when he enlisted 
in Company K, of the Twenty-fifth O. V. L He was 
elected first lieutenant of the company and served 



Memorial. 73 



throughout the war, being mustered out as colonel of the 
regiment, and breveted brigadier general. The regiment 
was mustered out on June i8, 1866, and for some time 
after the close of the war was stationed at Charleston on 
garrison duty. He was at the battle of Chancellorsville, 
Body's Ford, the capture of Charleston, and was severely 
wounded at the battle of Gettysburg. 

After being mustered out. Colonel Haughton return- 
ed to Toledo where he entered the foundry and machine 
business, the firm being Haughton & Kniesser. About 
three years ago the firm was reorganized as the Haughton 
Foundry and Machine Company, and Colonel Haughton 
retired from the business. He has been connected with 
the waterworks department as inspector, and retired from 
that position at the first of the year. 

In politics. Colonel Haughton has always been quite 
prominent. He was a staunch Republican, and active in 
party affairs. He has never held oflfice, and was only 
once a candidate, that time for the position of county 
treasurer. In the days of the old-time torchlight proces- 
sions, Colonel Haughton was always the moving spirit in 
the parades and always took charge of the marchers. He 
was well known in Grand Army circles, and was a mem- 
ber of Toledo Post, holding the office of junior vice com- 
mander. He was also a member of the Union Veterans' 
Union. 

The news of his death will come as a shock to many 
of his old comrades, few of whom realized that his sick- 
ness was of such a serious nature. His death will be 
mourned by many who knew him as the kind, whole- 
souled old gentlemen who always had a kind word and 
pleasant smile for his acquaintances. 

The funeral was held from the residence, the mem- 
bers of the Grand Army acting as escort and pall- 
bearers, 



74 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

OF 

DRESDEN W. H. HOWARD, 

BY N. B. C, LOVE. 



Dresden W, H. Howard, the subject of this sketch, 
needs no prefix nor suffix to his name to add lustre to it. 
His name for half a century has been a household word 
in the homes of the great Maumee Valley. No one of 
the pioneers, living or dead, had a larger personal 
acquaintance. He had the happy faculty, unknown to 
himself, of awaking self-respect in the minds of all with 
whom he came in contact. 

He was one of the connecting links uniting the first 
settlers of the Maumee Valley at the beginning of this 
century, with their worthy decendents, now its happy 
occupants. Space in our Annual forbids that this remem- 
brance of one so prominent in pioneer life should be more 
than a brief memorial. 

Dresden \V. H. Howard was born November 3, 18 17; 
came to this valley with his father on June 17, 1821, 
landing at Fort Meigs. The family moved to Grand 
Rapids, on the Maumee, eighteen miles above, in May, 
1823. On the opposite side was an Indian village, called 
Kinjoino or Apatowajowin. The only schooling he 
received in childhood was at an Indian mission maintain- 
ed by the Presbyterian denomination, some ten miles 
above Fort Meigs. He attended this school some four 
years and graduated when he was about ten years of age. 
He tells us that Rev. VanTassel and Elder Coe were his 
principal instructors. This was indeed the only school 



Memorial 75 



for white children as well as Indian at this early period in 
the Maumee Valley. 

He was a quick, lively boy, and learned language 
easily, and while yet in his boyhood was in continual 
demand as interpreter. For a number of years he was 
engaged in this life, traveling on foot or with Indian 
ponies the wild territory west of us, then uninhabited only 
by the Indians. In bark canoes he traveled the long 
coast line of the great lakes of the interior ; up beyond 
Mackinaw, through Lake Huron and Lake Superior and 
the rivers tributary, and all that vast region where the 
only commerce was bartering with the Indians and half- 
breeds for furs, skins and pelts. 

In 1832 and again in 1838 he aided the government 
in removing the Indians from the Maumee country and 
portions of Michigan to their homes west of the Miss- 
issippi. 

VARIOUS DUTIES. 

In 1840 he was sent by a fur company to establish 
trading posts on the waters of the Upper Missouri and 
the branches of the Yellowstone, and while engaged in 
that work in 1842, at the death of his father, he returned 
to this Maumee country, he relinquished what he deemed 
his life's business, and commenced the more quiet and 
domestic life which he led till the time of his death. Mr. 
Howard was in the convention which nominated Abraham- 
Lincoln to the presidency in i860; was a presidential 
elector in the fifth district, and a delegate to the Baltimore 
convention that nominated Lincoln for a second term in 
1864. He was a member of the Board of Equalization in 
Ohio in 1870, and a member of the State Senate for 1872 
and 1873; was appointed a trustee of Toledo asylum for 
the insane April i, 1887, under appointment of Governor 
Foraker. 

LOVE OF THE BEAUTIFUL. 

He was a continuous resident of the Maumee Valley, 



76 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association, 

and ever had for it an increasing love. It could hardly 
be otherwise with Col. Howard, for in him was an ardent 
love of all that is beautiful in nature ; and did not Lake 
Erie with its island at the mouth of the Maumee, and the 
river, with its long expanse of calm scenery, up to Maumee 
City, and then up the Rapids tor eighteen miles, and up- 
ward to its source, meandering among primal overhang- 
ing forests, gratify this love? He never wearied discribing 
the picturesque scenery of this garden of the continent. 

UNSELFISH. 

He rejoiced in the advancement made by the pio- 
neers and their descendents in all the arts of civilization 
and with the heart of the optimist rejoiced in the good 
achieved as a prophecy of still better things to come. 

AN AMERICAN. 

He loved his country both geographically and politi- 
cally. His father, Edward Howard, impressed upon him 
the value of freedom. He was a soldier in the war of 
1 812, and his grandfather, Thomas Howard, a soldier of 
the war of the Revolution. He even wished that the 
benefits of this free government should be extended to all 
living under the stars and stripes. He was not only, 
therefore, the friend of the Indians, seekinof their civiliza- 
tion, but of the black man whom he did not disdain as a 
brother. 

Each public act of his life, whether at home feeding 
the fugitive from oppression, or in the lawmaking body of 
the state, was on the side of right and liberty. During 
the civil war he was the staunch friend of the Union and 
its martyred executive, Abraham Lincoln. 

FRIEND. 

The prosperity of his friend was to him a source of 
happiness. In one respect he differed from many of his 
early co-adjutors. His sympathy was largely with the 
red men, who, while at the beginning of the century were 



Memorial. • 77 



cruel and committed ' many acts of hostility, would have 
been friends instead of foes if by our government they 
had been cared for then as now, and not as barbarians. 
The Indians were his trusted friends, and they never 
wronged him. He was a man of .peace and a peace- 
maker equally loved by the red and white men. 

TILLER OF THE SOIL. 

The life in the country was his preference, and while 
he was well prepared to act his part in society, having all 
the politeness of the old gentleman, yet he enjoyed the 
toil and recreations of rural life. 

He was a promoter of intelligence among farmers by 
the aid of organized educational efforts. 

The golden grain, waving in the summer sunlight, 
and the grazing herds upon the green pastures, were an 
inspiration, while the domestic joys of the intelligent farm 
home were highly prized. 

, INTEGRITY. 

Those who differed with him in judgment believed 
him honest. His purpose was to do right, and few have 
succeeded as well as he. He was true in his friendship, 
and even suffering inconvenience he did not falter. He 
was temperate in all things and strictly moral in his pri- 
vate life. He could be trusted. He had all the virtues 
of the noblest among the red men and none of their vices, 
and the early training in the mission school of the staunch 
Presbyterian church bore fruit in after life. Four years 
of faithful instruction given a boy with the native nobility 
of nature of D. W. H. Howard would prove a lasting 
benefit. Perhaps this had more to do with his after life 
than many imagine. 

AN HISTORIAN. 

His memory was reliable. His perception was clear 
and comprehensive. Nothing escaped his attention, so 
that in his old age he possessed a wonderful fund of 



T8 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

knowledge. But he also was a careful and extensive 
reader. What he narrated could be relied on as true. 
He dealt in facts and his hearers around the fireside, or 
the many at the pioneer meetings could rely upon his 
statements. His descriptions did not lack in interest, for 
as he talked once again the Indian chieftains seemed to 
be seated in council, or the whole companies of the In- 
dians surrounding, after the day's journey or chase, the 
roaring camp-fires. The pioneers in social gatherings 
again appeared upon the scene as they did in reality sixty 
or seventy years ago. His discriptions of pioneer life, if 
reported as given, would have added wonderfully to our 
pioneer historical data. His extempore narrations as well 
as his written newspaper articles evinced a polish seldom 
found in the productions of men who have been denied 
college training. This is not surprising to those who 
personally knew Col. Howard. We fear there cannot be 
found among his co-adjutors any who by voice or pen can 
so well delineate the old time people and their social, bus- 
iness and intellectual life. 

EMIGRATION. 

How great the change and how wonderful the pro- 
gress of the Maumee Valley during the sojourn of Col. 
Howard in it ! • 

A vast wilderness, battle-scarred by the tribes of red 
men contending together for the mastery, and afterward, 
by the remaining tribes of red men and the aggressive 
back-woodsman. When he and his parents, in 1821, 
came to Fort Meigs, there were remaining in the soil the 
footprints of the stately-headed elk which had only a few 
years before been sought by the soft-footed hunters. And 
still in large herds were the beautiful red deer and cun- 
ning American cougar. The valley was then the 
wonderful source of supply for the hardy pioneers. 

These pioneers were Puritans from New England, 
cavillers from Virginia, Scotch-Irish from Pennsylvania, 



Memorial. 79 



trappers and hunters from France. Many of these were 
intelHgent and reUgious, but many more were adventurers, 
men who deHghted in war and the chase. They had 
fought in the Revolution, had met defeat under St. Clair 
on the Wabash, or victory under Mad Anthony Wayne 
on the Maumee. The women who came when Howard 
came were lion-hearted and were use to hardships and 
could when necessary engage in war or chase. 

TRANSITION. 

A transition was in the air. Those white people 
were coming and the red men were going. With them 
were vanishing the bear, panther, wolf, lynx and other 
animals, also the varied wild fowls which frequented 
forest, prairies, lakes and rivers. The wigwams were 
surplanted by the pioneers cabin. The warrior had little 
use for his war paint, and the war dance had lost its 
inspiration. When engaged in, it simply gratified the 
love of excitement. The cruel "fire water" of the traders 
was doing its work of demoralization. The nobility ot 
the red men, by its potent power, was distroyed. The 
real pioneers lamented the selling of liquor to the red 
men, but were powerless to prevent it. They protected 
their own cabins as a rule from rum's fearful ravages, yet 
using it, as most did, it was as medicine and with moder- 
ation. Enshrouded here and there in the wilderness of 
the Maumee Valley they were rich, having over their 
heads their own roof and warmed by their own fuel and 
fed from their own fields and forests. 

All the pioneer conditions were changed in the life- 
time of Col. Howard. Now the Maumee Valley is a 
garden of fruits and fiowers, free from the dangers and 
hardships of the wilderness. The canoe and peroque 
have been superceded by the beautiful naptha launch and 
swift steamer, and the wagon train by the locomotive and 
cars on the net- work of rail roads that bind together the 



80 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

whole land and fine villages and cities with modern 
improvements and conveniences. 

The churches and factories, the school houses and 
places of trade stand together while our Christian civil- 
ization, like the sunlight ot heaven, sheds its blessing on 
the rich and poor. In ail this the aged patriarch rejoiced, 
knowing well that he had done his part in securing such 
grand results. 

AT HOME. 

He was a kind, unselfish husband and father, and his 
aged partner waits for a blessed reunion, while his child- 
ren, emulating his example, arise and call him blessed. 
His home life was beautiful. 

RELIGIOUS VIEWS. 

His religious views were not drawn from any creed, 
but were broad, embracing the fatherhood of God and 
the brotherhood of man. Whatever revealed to him 
anything of the all-wise Father he received, and whatever 
was narrow and savored of human selfishness he rejected. 
Having the thought of God correctly formulated accord- 
ing to the teachings of nature, as well as of the Divine 
Spirit, he had a conscience that held him to the paths of 
rectitude and kindness. 

He was ready to die when the summons came, and 
died in hope, we believe, of immortality. 

PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 

We cannot give in this memoir all that should be 
known and remembered of this noble man's last days of 
pain and anguish and preparation for death. He antici- 
pated it and made ample arrangements for it, selecting 
the minister to officiate and the friend to deliver his funer- 
al oration, the pall-bearers, and the place of his burial. 
The minister was Rev. T. W. Lily, of Hicksville ; the 
orator. Gen. J. Kent Hamilton, and pall-bearers. Dr. 
Ramsey, Grant Williams, H. T. Brigham, Thomas MikeT 



Memorial. fil 



sail, Col. E. L. Barber and Alfred Schaffer. His resting 
place was to be at Winnemeg Hill. 

Mrs. Howard, who survives him, was united in mar- 
riage with him in 1843. She is now in her 79th year and 
is bright and hopeful, and a helpful companion for so 
many years of this worthy man. 

We close this with a sonnet dedicated to his memory : 

Men and boys and white covered train 
Men defiant, boys active and brave, 
Women as fair as Maumee's rippling wave- 
All moving forward in sunshine and rain. 
Through primal woods these pioneers came. 
One fair lad, saw, heard, felt much that was good 
Among the tribes of Indian brotherhood ; 
He of all was to achieve the greatest name. 
He into manhood grew, great in thought and love ; 
None sought his favor too early or late— 
In men he saw the Father from above. 
And welcomed all to his heart's open gate. 
The pioneer train rests beneath the hillside green. 
The boy, the man, sleeps at Winnemeg serene. 



82 



The Mnumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



OF 

BRICE HILTON. 

FROM DEFIANCE RECORD, JULY 20, 1899. 



Brice Hilton is dead. 

The sure and unfaltering hand of death this morning 
affixed the period to the life of the grand old man, and the 
volume of a noble career is closed. 

Venerable Brice Hilton, honored and respected by 
the entire community of which he was its oldest citizen and 




VENERABLE BRICE HILTON. 

(FROM A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN ON HIS NINETY-FIRST BIRTHDAY.) 

earliest settler, has passed from the trials and troubles of 
this world to reap his reward in the next. 

To pause and reflect over such a life as led by the 



Memorial. 83 



subject of this obituary, cannot help but cause one to feel 
that his was a life truly well spent, and in the minds of all 
who had the pleasure of an acquaintance with him, a 
thought of the pure and honorable years he passed 
through will ever remain. 

The sturdy old pioneer ventured into this part of Ohio 
when it was almost an unbroken forest, when the Indians 
were still roaming about in tribes, and but small settle- 
ments of white people were here and there scattered 
about, and he remained here since, and not only witnessed 
but helped to develop this part of the State. 

It is difficult for people living at this date and enjoy- 
ing the pleasures of the advanced civilization to realize the 
condition this city and territory surrounding it was in, and 
the view that presented itself to Mr. Hilton, when in 1822 
he came here and built the first log cabin in the vast wil- 
derness between this place and Fort Wayne. 

Mr. Hilton was an interesting relator of reminiscences 
of the early days, and many of the tales of the hardships 
and adventures through which the early settlers passed 
were thrilling. 

On the ninety-first anniversary of the birth of Mr. 
Hilton, which occurred March 19th of this year, a party of 
citizens called on him at his home in Brunersburg and 
spent several pleasant hours in his presence, which the 
'old gentleman enjoyed greatly. He was then able to be 
about. His health has been failing rapidly for the past 
two months, and for six weeks has been unable to leave 
his bed. This morning at fifteen minutes to six, the grim 
reaper beckoned his soul to leave its earthly domain, and 
as one passing into a peaceful sleep, did his life pass out. 
He remained conscious until he closed his eyes for the 
last time on earthly surroundings. 

His death was, as had been his life, beautiful, for he 
died surrounded by those he loved, and beneath the roof 
he had passed so many useful years. 



84 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

No character ever lived in Defiance county who was 
held in higher esteem or more greatly loved by those who 
were acquainted with him than the grand old pioneer, 
Briee Hilton. 

The funeral services took place Wednesday afternoon 
at two o'clock at his late home in Brunersburg, and the 
body was laid to repose in the pretty cemetery on the 
bank of the Tiffin river opposite the village in which he so 
long resided. 

Dr. E. L. Rexford, of Columbus, who for a number 
of years was a warm personal friend of Mr. Hilton, con- 
ducted the services. 

The history of Defiance county contains the follow- 
ing sketch of his life : 

Brice Hilton, one of the few remaining pioneers of 
Defiance county, was born March 13, 1808, the son of 
Joshua and Hepzibah (Hilton) Hilton, both of whom 
were born in Stark, Somerset county, Maine, the former 
June 17, 1780, the later July 2, 1785. His grandfather, 
Benjamin Hilton, was a resident of the same county and 
a miller by trade and occupation. Joshua and Hepzibah 
Hilton were married in Somerset county, Maine, October 
10, 1805. Joshua was a miller, like his father, and made 
milling his life pursuit. His children were Mary, born 
August 2, 1806, married Clark Philbrick, March 15, 1827, 
and the same spring moved with her husband to Geauga 
county, Ohio. Brice, the subject of this sketch, born 
March 13, 1808; Thomas H., born June 25, 18 10, died 
September 6, 1826; John, born October 14, 181 1, died 
February 9, 1838; Ezra, born June 4, 1813, died Septem- 
ber 28, 1846; Horace, born August 31, 1815, died in 
Osborne county, Kansas, December 28, 1874; Eben, born 
August 24, 18 18, died September 16, 1848; Benjamin and 
an infant daughter, deceased, born September 10, 1820; 
Benjamin died November 5, 1865; Richard, born Septem- 
ber 18, 1823 died August 18, 1848. 



Memorial. 



In September, 1817, Joshua Hilton with his family 
emigrated in a three-horse wagon from Maine to Ohio, 
reaching the town of Reading, Hamilton county, Decem- 
ber 2. The following April he moved to a farm in Butler 
county, paying a cash rental of $100 for one year, at the 
expiration of which he removed to Carthage, and in the 
fall of the same year (18 19) moved to Miami county, 
where he remained until the fall ot 1822. In January, 
1822, he made a journey aioot to Defiance and vicinity, 
having with him maps of the surrounding townships, for 
the purpose of selecting a tarm. While here he stopped 
at the tavern of Robert Shirley. Mr. Hilton returned 
home, then went to Piqua, where the land office was locat- 
ed, and entered 140 acres on the south side of the Mau- 
mee immediately above the plat of West Defiance, where 
he removed with his family, December 3, 1822. 

In the spring of that year, he had come with his son 
Thomas to plant a crop of corn, but having no land 
cleared. Judge Shirley permitted him to put out as much 
corn as he wished on the land opposite the old fair ground 
on an old Indian improvement. With his ox team he 
broke the blue grass sod and planted six acres, which 
yielded enough corn to last the family one year. Mr. 
Hilton erected the first log cabin between Defiance and 
Fort Wayne on the Maumee, except one, built by a Mr. 
Rodger, five miles below Fort Wayne. Mr. Hilton also 
built the first brick house in the county, except two at 
Defiance. He was a Whig, and died August 15, 1830. 
His wife died September 24, 1850. 

Brice Hilton spent his youth in working for his father 
and attending what schools were then available. During 
the winter of 1820, he attended school in Cincinnati, 
remaining about nine months. After he reached Williams 
county with his father, his educational advantages were 
indeed meager, but he had already mastered Stephen 
Pitts' Arithmetic, Bonnicastle's Algebra and Greenleaf 's 



86 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Grammar. He studied surveying and practiced it to some 
extent. From 1825 to 1830, he cleared land, boated on 
the river, split rails, hunted and worked on the farm. He 
then went to live with Dr. John Evans, reading medicine 
with him, and after practicing it six months, abandoned 
the profession. In May, 1834, he went to Brunersburg 
with a stock of goods, having formed a partnership with 
Foreman Evans. At the end of twelve years, he sold out 
to his brother, Benjamin Hilton, and bought a farm ad- 
joining Brunersburg, He has ever since followed farming, 
but in connection with it has been engaged in other 
pursuits, among them stock dealing, taking contracts for 
building bridges, building embankments, etc. In 1850 he 
purchased the Brunersburg Mill property and in 1854 
erected a grist mill, which he still operates. In 1855, he 
built a saw mill just opposite, which he ran till recently. 
In 1844, he bought the Brunersburg Tannery and operat- 
ed it for thirty years in connection with a shoe shop. 
About 1863, he built, on lot 182, Brunersburg, mostly 
with his own means, a Universalist church, which now has 
a membership of sixty-two. 

Mr. Hilton was married, December 4, i 836, to Sophia 
Umbenhaur, who was born near Winchester, Virginia, 
July 29, 1 82 1, and emigrated with her father's family to 
Williams county in 1835. Of their two daughters and 
ten sons, but five sons survive — W^alter, born February 12, 
1845, ^ merchant of Defiance; Ezra, born January 7, 
1847, ^ow a merchant at Pioneer, Williams county; 
Gilmore, born August 9, 1850, now living at Brunersburg; 
Lyman, born January 29, i860, at home; John, born 
September 2, 1862, at home, teaching school. Mr. Hilton 
in early lite was a Clay Whig and is now a Republican. 



Memorial. 87 



BRICE HILTON, 
He is Visited by a Namber of his Friends. 



FROM DEFIANCE EXPRESS, MARCH 1 3, 1 899. 

This afternoon two 'bus loads of gentlemen drove to 
Brunersburg and paid their respects to the venerable 
Brice Hilton, who was celebrating his 91st birthday. 

The visitors took a handsome chair along as a gift to 
their friend. Mr. Hilton was rejoiced to see his friends, 
and gave them a hearty welcome. After a general pass- 
ing of compliments, L. E. Beardsley, who accompanied 
the party, took two negatives of the old gentleman. 
There are only two other pictures of Mr. Hilton extant. 
One was taken when he was 50, and the other when he 
was 70 years old. 

After this had been done, the visitors and Mrs. 
Lyman Hilton and daughter Hazel gathered in the front 
yard, and Mr. Beardsley took a snap shot at all of them. 

Mr. Hilton is at the home of his son Lyman, and the 
company received a gracious welcome from him and his 
wife and Filmore Hilton. 

The party was made up of the following gentlemen, 
who came to Defiance in the years noted : Rev. B. W. 
Slagie, 1862; Adam Wilhelm, 1839; E P. Hooker, 
1S59; K V. Haymaker. 1856; L. E. Beardsley, 1865; 
Dr. C. E. Slocum, 187 1 ; Charles B. Squire, 1858; Rev. 
A. E. Smith, 1895; L. E. Myers, 1852; L. G. Richard- 
son, 1848; H. B. Harris, 1853; Edward Squire, 1858; E. 
E. Carter, 1856; W. A. Kehnast, 1861 ; John W. Slough, 
1847; George Bechel, i860; J. P. Buffington, 1853. 

The press was represented by Charles Sampson, N. 
R. Webster, John Ury and W. H. McClintock. 

Mr, Hilton looks quite feeble, but he stated to the 
Daily Express man as he bid him good bye: " When I 
am dead and gone, don't say that Brice Hilton died of old 
age." 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



BRICE HILTON, 
Of Brunersbufg:, will be 9 J Years Old Next Monday. - 



FROM DEFIANCE DAILY EXPRESS, MARCH II, 1 899. 

On Monday, March 13, 1899, the venerable Brice 
Hilton, of Brunersburg, will celebrate the 91st anniver- 
sary of his birth. He was born at Stark, Somerset 
county, Maine, March 13, 1808. He came into the Mau- 
mee Valley in the spring of 182 1, and was married to 
Sophia Umbenhaur, at Brunersburg, December 4, 1836. 
Mrs. Hilton died September 27, 1897. There were born 
to this worthy couple 12 children. Of this number the 
following are living : Walter, Ezra, Filmore, Lyman L. 
and John C. Hilton. 

Brice Hilton was the son of Joshua and Hepzibah 
Hilton. They were married October 10, 1805. The 
father died in Defiance, August 15, 1835, and the mother 
August 15, 1850. 

The Hilton family in America sprung from three 
brothers, Benjamin, Ebenezer and Isaac, who sailed from 
England and landed near Philadelphia about the year 
1600. Brice Hilton was a descendant of Benjamin, and is 
of the 7th generation down the line. 

Brice Hilton is too well known to need any introduc- 
tion to the readers of the Daily Express. Columns of 
matter have been published touching his life in the Mau- 
mee valley, while a comprehensive story of his life is pub- 
lished in a history of the county and valley, and is open to 
everybody. He has been a giant physically and mentally, 
and now, upon the eve of his ninety-first birthday, his 
mind is as clear as a bell. He is a faithful reader of the 
daily and weekly press, and there is not a man in North- 
western Ohio who has kept in closer touch with the march 
of events than Brice Hilton. The old gentleman has been 
in fairly good health during the winter, and still possesses 
vigor enough to warrant the thought that he will climb the 



Memorial. 89 



ladder for many years to come. He is making his home 
with his son Lyman L. Hihon, at Brunersburg, 

In this connection we give the story of the moving of 
the Hiltons from Maine to Ohio, which was recently dic- 
tated by Brice Hilton himself, and related by Mr. K. V. 
Haymaker. 

"Brice Hilton says that in 1817 his father, Joshua 
Hilton, moved from Maine to Ohio with his family, which 
then consisted of his wife, Hepzibah, and the following 
children : Mary, Brice, Thomas, Ezra and John. At 
that time Joshua and his brother Edgar, lived in what had 
been their father's old homestead at Stark Mills, Somerset 
county, Maine. This old homestead was a large double 
house, and each brother with his family, lived in either 
part. Joshua and his brother Edgar, were owners of the 
grist mill, and Joshua and his oldest brother, Richard, 
owned the saw mill. These mills were located on a small 
mill stream, which emptied into the Sandy River about a 
mile below, which river in turn emptied into the Kenebec 
a mile further down. Brice says he remembers seeing 
the mill dam and the nlill destroyed by flood. My mother 
has often told me the story, which she learned from 
Hepzibah, that it was on account of the loss of these 
mills, and being too much discouraged on account thereof 
to attempt to again rebuild them, that Joshua resolved to 
remove to the west. These mills had only been rebuilt a 
few years before, possibly within a year, prior to the time 
the flood swept them out. It was in the spring of 181 7 
that this loss occurred, a-nd they spent the summer in 
preparing for the journey to Ohio. 

Brice states as another reason why his father desired 
to leave Maine, was that every winter he was afflicted 
with ulcerated sore throat, the same disease of which 
Joshua's father had died. The hope of finding a milder 
climate, was one of the strong incentives which induced 
him to come to Ohio. 



90 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

"The trip was commenced in September. In addi- 
tion to Joshua and his wife and five children above named, 
they were also accompanied by Rachel Hilton, Hepzibah's 
sister, then a young woman of i8 or 19 years; and also 
by a young man named Hilton, who was a second cousin 
of Hepzibah, and whose first name Brice cannot recall. 
He states that this young man was a brother of Jesse 
Hilton, who had come to Ohio before that time, and who 
then lived at Hillsboro, in Highland county, Ohio. After 
their arrival in Ohio, this young man, who furnished one 
of the three horses with which they made the trip, left 
Joshua and his family, to join his brother Jesse at Hills- 
boro, and Brice cannot now recall that he ever saw or 
heard of him thereafter. Jesse Hilton, some years after, 
perhaps in 1824 or 1825, came to northern Ohio, and 
settled near Defiance, and was the first man to raise a 
crop of wheat in the Maumee Valley. 

"The trip from Maine was made in a wagon drawn 
by three horses. Aside from the living freight, the load 
consisted of but little save the wearing apparel of the 
moving party. The trip was made in a remarkably short 
time, and without any serious mishaps. The final halting 
place was at Reading, near Cincinnati, Ohio, where they 
parted company with the young man who had accompani- 
ed them. Brice related to me a number of incidents 
which deeply impressed themselves on his childish mind 
during that trip. Among them was the fact that on one 
occasion as their wagon was going down a rather steep 
hill, one of his brothers, Thomas, I believe, fell from the 
wagon and the hind wheel passed over his arm, but from 
the soft condition of the road, or by reason of a rock or 
other obstruction catching the weight of the wheel, his 
arm was not broken or seriously bruised. They passed 
within sight of the city of Boston, but not through it. In 
Pennsylvania they crossed the Juniata River on a bridge, 
which to his boyish eyes seemed little short of a miracle. 



Memorial. 91 



It was a chain bridge, suspended from and upheld by 
immense chains, the ends of which were securely anchor- 
ed in the lofty hill on either side, and which suspended 
the bridge at a considerable height above the bed of the 
stream. The floor of the bridge was not solid like that of 
our modern suspension bridges, but sank under the load 
and raised up before and behind as the team moved along. 
It made a deep impression on his mind to look over the 
side of the bridge and see men working at quarrying stone 
and loading it into wagons in the bed of the stream far 
below him. 

"He also related another incident of that trip, which 
was his first contact with political contests. The party 
stopped over for a day in a thickly settled part of Penn- 
sylvania, to do necessary washing. This was election day, 
and the excitement of the men going by the polling place, 
was a revelation to the lad who saw such things for the 
first time. Two rival candidates were supported by 
enthusiastic partizans who rode by on bare back horses, 
at full speed, first one crowd cheering at top of voice for 
their candidate, "Hurrah for William Finley," to be im- 
mediately answered by the partizans of the opposing 
candidate with cheers, "Hurrah for Joseph Easter." As 
Brice remembers it, these were candidates for governor. 

"At the place where they crossed the Little Miami 
River, as they approached the end of their journey, they 
bought some oats for their horses. The expenses of their 
trip that far had exhausted their stock of silver coin, and 
there for the first time they began to spend their gold. 
The coin which was offered by them to pay for the oats 
was gold of foreign mintage, and the farmer had never 
seen any like it, and had no idea of its equivalent value 
in American money. Neither could Joshua say what it 
was worth. After discussing the matter for some time, 
the farmer settled the matter by saying that rather than 
run any chance of either being cheated, by fixing a wrong 



92 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

value, they should take the oats without pay, as he had 
an abundant stock, which was of very little value to him 
any way. On this trip they were not required to camp 
out of doors at night, as they found accommodations for 
shelter every night at farm houses or village taverns along 
the way. 

"Joshua and his family lived for four years in Hamil- 
ton county and in Miami county near Piqua, on rented 
farms, and for one season Joshua run a large saw mill 
located near the city of Cincinnati in the valley of Mill 
Creek. The desirable farming lands in that locality had 
been mostly taken up, and were of such value that they 
were beyond the slender means of Joshua to purchase. 
So in the spring of 1821, Joshua and his two oldest sons, 
Brice and Thomas, with two horses, Joshua riding one 
and the two boys the other, rode from Miami county to 
Fort Defiance. 

"This point was then a frontier post, with garrison, 
and with but few white families located here. Joshua 
looked over the public lands which were then open for 
entry, and selected about 130 acres just above the fort. 
A family named Shirley was then here, and Joshua rented 
some cleared bottom land of Robert Shirley, and with the 
assistance of his boys, constructed a fence of logs and 
brush around it, plowed and planted to corn and potatoes. 
They also chopped trees for rail cuts, on the land which 
he had selected for entry. After this was done, Joshua 
and Thomas mounted one of the horses and returned to 
Miami county, leaving Brice, then thirteen years old, to 
cultivate the crops, and split the rail cuts. Brice tended 
the crops until the corn was so far along as to need no 
further cultivation, and in his leisure time split rails sufifi- 
cient to enclose eighty acres of the land his father had 
selected. This work being completed he bestrode the 
horse and rode back to Miami county, to help harvest the 
wheat and other crops. The distance from Piqua to 



Memorial. 93 



Defiance is about lOO miles. That fall, the family moved 
to Defiance and settled on the land which Joshua had 
selected, and on which he filed a certificate of entry on 
this return to Piqua in the spring. The federal land office 
for this district being then located at Piqua. 

"The log house which Joshua built for his family on 
his arrival, was considered a marvel of size and preten- 
tiousness. It was a double log house, two stories in 
height with an open passage between the wings, and 
for a considerable time the highest type of architecture in 
the Maumee Valley. Some years later Joshua burned 
brick and erected a two story brick house, which is still 
occupied as a residence by the present owners of the 
farm." 

The brick house referred to in the above is on the 
Smith farm, west of the city near the water works. 



94 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



OF 

BENJAMIN F. KERR. 



Benjamin F. Kerr, of Grand Rapids, Ohio, died 
March 24th, 1899, in his 57th year. He was for 33 years 
one of the most prominent business men of Grand Rapids. 
Before coming to Grand Rapids he was in the army, serv- 
ing in Jim Steadman's Regiment, the 14th O. V. I , and 




BENJAMIN F. KERR. 

later in commissary department in iiith O. V. I. Mr. 
Kerr was of Scotch origin, tracing his ancestors back to 
1708, when they first came to New Jersey. 

His parents were Jesse and Eliza (Evans) Kerr, of 
Monclova township, Lucas county. His brother. Captain 
John W. Kerr, now owns the old homestead. 



Memorial. 95 



Mr, Kerr was born February 7th, 1843, in Richland 
county, Ohio ; was educated in Maumee City ; served 
through the war, and returning in 1866, he bought the 
general store of Laskey & Bro., and remained in that 
business until his death. 

In 1 85 1 George Laskey succeeded Frank Hinsdale, 
who in 1838 succeeded Nicholas Gee, who was the first 
general merchant of the community. Hence Mr. Kerr's 
business was a continuation of the pioneer trade. 

On October 24, 1867, Mr. Kerr married Ann S. 
Pratt, and their family are Mrs. Carrie P. Williams, of 
Delphos, Clifton C. Kerr, of Grand Rapids, (also mar- 
ried,) and Jessie May, Frank and Glenn, the latter three 
still at home. 

During his short life time, Mr. Kerr saw the wilder- 
ness of Wood and Lucas counties transformed into the 
beautiful garden it now is, from cow paths or Indian trails 
into level stone roads, railroads, electric street car lines, etc. 

His brother John W. now lives in Toledo, Thomas 
B., also of the 14th O. V. I., is at Dayton, Ohio, William 
E. is a merchant at Grand Rapids, Ohio, J. Charles F. is 
in San Antonio, Texas. His only sister is Mrs. N. A. 
Walters, of Swanton, Ohio. W . . , 



96 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

OF 

WILLIAM OLIVER. 
How he Saved Fort Wayne and Fort Meigs. 

BY C. W. 



The brave and timely act of Lieut. Hobson, in sink- 
ing the Merrimac in the harbor of Santiago, will constitute 
a specially prominent part in the history of the Cuban 
war. For daring bravery and skill it could hardly be ex- 
celled, and may justly be recognized. 

Heroism has often found notable ways and means for 
manifestation, and it is due to the memories of those who 
opened the way for what we are now permitted to behold 
in the Maumee Valley, to say, that they were not without 
such quality. In proof of this, it will suffice here to cite 
the case of William Oliver, known to very few of the 
present generation, though so prominent in earlier days. 

Fort Wayne bears conspicuous part in the events of 
pioneer life. A structure wholly of wood, built in 1794, it 
had come to^dilapidated condition when the war of 181 2- 15 
with England occurred. Encouraged by the inexcusable 
surrender of General Hull in August, 181 2, a force of 500 
Indians laid siege to that fortress. The garrison, amount- 
ing to less than 100 men, was under Captain Rhea, an 
old man not in mental or physical condition fitted to his 
charge. The entire country was wilderness, with no pos- 
sible means for defense from attack. 

Oliver was. a resident of Fort Wayne, but at the 
time in question went to Cincinnati. On his return he 
learned that the Indians had appeared before the fort, and 
he returned to that city to urge the troops to hasten for 



Memorial. 97 



its relief. This accomplished, he set out with all possible 
speed for the fort, hoping to reach it with word both of 
warning- and encouragement to its imperriled inmates. On 
his way he found at St. Mary's river an encampment of 
Ohio militia, with whom was Thomas Worthington, then 
Indian Commissioner, and afterwards Governor of Ohio. 
To him Oliver communicated his purpose to enter the fort 
or perish in the attempt. The result of the interview was 
an agreement under which the two were to co-operate, 
though different frontiersmen would dissuade them trom 
the perilous attempt. They secured 6'^ militia and i6 
Shawanee Indians to accompany them. They had been 
but one day on the march, when 36 of the party secretly 
deserted and returned. The remainder continued the 
march, and from their camp heard the evening gun of the 
fort, 24 miles distant. In view of the reduced condition 
of the force, Worthington was not willing to continue the 
march. When Oliver, with three Indians, pushed ahead 
with great caution, five miles from the fort they found 
holes dug on each side of the road by the Indians for con- 
cealment, to cut off approach. Thus warned, they aban- 
doned the road, and crossing the country, reached the 
Maumee river one and one-half miles from the fort. Here, 
tying their horses, they cautiously passed through the 
forest to learn whether or not the Indians were already in 
possession. With feelings of relief and joy, they found 
the stars and stripes waving at the fort. Not deeming 
this even as conclusive as to the condition, Oliver ap- 
proached the east side until he discerned the blue uniform 
of a sentinel, and recognized the wearer as an acquaint- 
ance. They then returned, and remounting their horses, 
proceeded onward. Finding the gate locked, they were 
compelled to pass down the river bank and ascend at the 
northern gate. In this way they were favored by the 
withdrawal of the savage enemy in carrying out their plan 
for taking the fort by strategy. 



98 The Maum.ee Valley Pioneer Association. 

It seems that the hostile chiefs, with true Indian 
methods, had been employing a flag of truce for inter- 
course with the garrison, a result of which was such devel- 
opment of Capt. Rhea's weakness as much to encourage 
them in their movements They had arranged in a semi- 
circle on the west and north sides of the fort, and at a 
short distance from it. Under pretense of treating with 
the garrison, five chiefs were to pass into the fort and 
council room, with scalping knives and pistols secreted in 
their blankets. They then were to assassinate two subal- 
tern oflicers, seize Capt. Rhea, with expectation that he 
would order the gates thrown open to the attacking force. 

Such well laid plan was being carried out when Oliver 
reached the gate. An hour sooner or an hour later would 
probably have been fatal to him and his party, and to the 
inmates of the fort. Parties of Indians for eight days up- 
on the roads in different directions, at that time had been 
called to aid in the proposed attack. Winnemack, Five 
Medals and three other hostile chiefs, with their treacher- 
ous flag of truce, were greatly surprised at meeting Oliver 
and associates at the gate. Coming from different direc- 
tions and screened by the fort, they were not visible until 
that moment. Winnemack, with expressions of surprise 
and disappointment, hastily returned to the Indian camp 
with information that their stratagem had failed. 

Oliver at once dispatched a note to Worthington, 
stating the situation, sending the same by his Indian as- 
sociates, who dashed off at full speed. They were soon 
pursued by hostiles The race was perilous, but they es- 
caped, their shout of triumph rising high and falling grate- 
fully on the beleaguered garrison. The message was duly 
delivered to General Harrison, who in a short time arriv- 
ed with ample reinforcements. The enemy had continued 
the siege until within a few hours of his arrival, and with 
such perseverance that nothing but the hope of relief 
could have kept the garrison from surrender, amid the 
burning arrows of the savages. 



Memorial. 99 



But Fort Wayne was not the only object of young 
Oliver's brave ventures. The next year, (1813,) his hero- 
ism was shown in connection with the two sieges of Fort 
Meigs, involving no less of sagacity and peril. At the 
first siege, General Harrison desired some one to bear a 
message of warning to Gen. Greene Clay, then approach- 
ing with a body of Kentucky volunteers. The selection 
fell on Oliver. The service was specially dangerous, as 
the Indians were already in strong force about the fort. 
Oliver decided to make the attempt, notwithstanding Gen. 
Clay warned him of the special danger of any effort to 
penetrate the enemy's lines. Oliver, in reply, spoke of 
his knowledge of the country and Indian stratagem, urg- 
ing the special importance of Harrison's knowing of the 
approach of relief, and informed his commander of his pur- 
pose to go at all hazards, unless positively borbidden to 
do so. 

With 15 picked men of Ohio militia, Oliver boarded 
his boat, and upon leaving, Clay grasped his hand, say- 
ing: "Farewell, Oliver. We shall never see you again." 
Approaching the fort at midnight, Oliver found everything 
in darkness, the cannonading of the enemy across the 
river, constituting the chief indication of the condition. In- 
formed the day before by two British deserters of the 
purpose to attack the fort that night, Harrison had extin- 
guished the lights, the garrison being on their arms await- 
ing the enemy's approach. Mistaking Oliver's party for 
the British advance, these were fired lipon by the senti- 
nels, but without injury. The result of Harrison's inter- 
view with Oliver, was prompt arrangements for the ensuing 
day, so memorable for the landing of Clay, the defense of 
the fort and the defeat and death of Dudley across the 
river. 

It was but two months later, when some 5,000 British 
and Indians again invested Fort Meigs. Gen. Clay, then 
in command, called Oliver to his quarters, and implored 



100 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

him, if possible, to make his way through the Indians to 
Harrison, supposed to be at Upper Sandusky, 70 miles 
away. "I will reward you liberally, if you succeed," said 
Gen. Clay. Oliver's reply was, "I shall not put my life 
in the scale against money or promotion. My country 
has higher calls upon me than these, and from sense of 
duty to her, I will make the trial." Col. John Miller, 
afterward Governor ot Missouri, was second in command 
to Clay. Learning of Oliver's purpose, he inquired if the 
report was true. " Yes," said Oliver, " Well," rejoined 
the General, much excited, "You are a fool. Why is it 
that you are always called for these perilous services ? " 
Clay having requested Oliver to take with him any desir- 
ed men, he applied to a regular officer, who begged to be 
excused. Finally he secured as companion Captain Mc- 
Cune, of Ohio militia, and a Petersburg volunteer. 

About nine o'clock that nigh, Oliver and party left 
the fort, just as the British band struck up the tatto across 
the Maumee. Within 80 rods they came suddenly upon 
a camp of Indians, who, disturbed by the noise of the ap- 
proach, sprang up and ran at them, when they reined up 
and awaited the movements of the enemy, apprehending 
serious results. Fortunately, their animals, as if aware of 
the situation, stood perfectly still, and the Indians passed 
around without discovery of their presence. Oliver and 
his party, going in different directions, dashed into the al- 
most impenetrable forest of the "Blank Swamp." Mc- 
Cune, unaccostumed to the woods, separated from the 
others, who continued in the proper direction, the Indians 
being in full pursuit on horseback. At nine o'clock the 
next night, Oliver reached Upper Sandusky, his body 
covered with bruises from contusions against trees, and 
nearly naked as a result of briers and brambles tearing 
his clothes. There Oliver learned that Harrison was in 
the vicinity of Fort Stephenson, and notwithstanding his 
extreme fatigue, he continued on, reaching the General's 



Memorial, , 101 



camp near Seneca at 1 1 o'clock the next day, after a cir- 
cuitous trip of more than one day and two nights, cover- 
ing a distance of over loo miles. McCune finally reached 
the camp the next day. Wishing to retain Oliver for 
other service, Harrison sent McCune back to Gen. Clay 
with verbal message as to his intentions. He safely made 
the trip, though pursued for several miles by a party of 
mounted Indians. 

By the opportune arrival of McCune, the fort was 
saved from the ingeniously devised stratagem of the wily 
Indian Chief Tecumseh. Toward evening a body of 
British infantry were secreted in a ravine below the fort, 
and the cavalry in the wood above, the Indians and part 
ot the British being stationed in a forest. A severe battle 
ensued just before dark, resulting in complete success of 
the American forces. 

Such recognition oi Major Oliver's effective heroism 
and sagacity, becomes specially fitting here, from the fact 
that it is made within sight of the spot where stood Fort 
Meigs, whose two deliverences were so largely due to his 
patriotic devotion and unsurpassed courage. In his case 
are features rarely found in such service. More noble 
sentiment could not guide a man to heroic acts, than was 
that so considerately stated by him to Gen. Clay, and we 
may well honor and recognize it here. Would that more 
of public action were controlled by the same unselfish 
spirit. 

It becomes fitting here to state that Major Oliver's 
connection with this region was by no means limited to 
his distinguished army service. As a member of what 
was known as the "Baum Company" of Cincinnati, he 
was identified with the very start of what is now ''Toledo," 
in connection with the projected town of Port Lawrence, 
in 1817, which movement then proved premature, was 
renewed in 1832, contemporaneous with that of its rival, 
Vistula, which two soon were merged and became Toledo. 



102 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Major Oliver continued prominently identified in that 
connection until his death in 1851. Under management 
of a son-in-law, James C. Hall, the Oliver House was 
subsequently projected, constituting, as it did, the most 
of an advance in hostelry ever made in Toledo, being 
opened with special demonstration in 1859. 

As a citizen, Major Oliver ever held a standing for 
integrity and usefulness consistent with the rule which 
directed his unselfish devotion in military service, an ex- 
ample well worthy to be followed in all lines of action. 



Memorial. 103 



OF 

MRS. AMELIA PERRIN. 

FROM PERRYSBURG JOURNAL. 



Mrs. Amelia Perrin, of Perrysburg, died at the age 
of 88 years, at the family residence in that city. She was 
the widow of the late Jonathan Perrin. 

This death was rather a departure, a euthanasia, of 
one who has lived through a long earthly life, in full 
activity to the last hour, when, her earthly education being 
completed, she, in the full possession of all her powers, 
graduated into that other life lor which preparation had 
been made for her by Him who left the promise: "I go 
to prepare a place for you." Her education, which began 
a hundred or more years before she was born, in the lives 
of martyr ancestors, and ministers of the gospel, was con- 
tinued by diligent labors in the church, and by reading 
the best books till the end. 

Descended from Richard Wightman, who was burned 
at the stake for his religious opinions, and of a long line 
of ministers of the gospel of that name, who wrought 
effectually for religious liberty in Connecticut and Rhode 
Island and, she naturally, when uniting with the Methodist 
church in 1830, followed in their steps, and was ever 
true and loyal to the church with which she had connect- 
ed herself; and also when the society of the Daughters of 
the American Revolution was organized, in honor of her 
revolutionary ancestors, she became a member. 

She was born, in the [flesh, November 15, 18 10, in 
Cleveland, Ohio, and with her parents came to Orleans in 
the valley of the Miami of the Lakes, in 181 1. 



104 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



She was married to Jonathan Perrin in April, 1830, 
and the same year was enrolled upon the records of the 
Methodist Episcopal church, on which her mother's name 
stands first. 

For nearly seventy years her home has been the one 
place for old time residents to visit, and the place she 
loved and from which she desired to depart when her 
earthly pilgrimage should end. This desire of her heart 
was happily gratified. 

She was the mother of seven children, three of whom 
are living. She leaves seven grand children and eleven 
great grand children, to all of whom the memory of this 
faithful Christian, and cultivated and patriotic lady must 
ever be a blessing. 

Her funeral services were conducted at the M. E. 
church by Rev. J. C. Shaw of Upper Sandusky, and the 
remains placed at rest in Fort Meigs cemetery. 



Memorial. 105 



OF 

HON. EDWIN PHELPS. 

BY G. P, BUFFINGTON. 



One by one the hardy pioneers who emigrated from 
the Eastern States to form new homes for themselves in 
the great West are passing away, until only now and 
then one, like the sturdy oaks of the forest that have 
breasted many storms, are left, awaiting the call of the 
Master. 

It commands our admiration as we review the lives 
of the heroic men and women who opened up to civiliza- 
tion the beautiful valley of the Maumee, who spent the 
best years of their lives in hewing out from the trackless 
forests homes for themselves and families. It is difficult 
for us of the present day to realize the great privations 
they had to endure from savage foes and wild beasts that 
surrounded them on every side, and worse than either, 
the want of needful food and shelter from inclement 
weather. 

In clearing up this beautiful valley many fell by the 
wayside, the result of climatic influences incident to a new 
country, and need of proper medical attention. But 
nothing daunted, the survivors closed up the ranks and 
bravely marched to final success. With them there was 
no such word as fail, and they stamped upon the minds of 
their sons and daughters an unconquerable spirit of loy- 
alty and love of country that has borne rich fruits in our 
mighty efforts to maintain a united country. 

To review the lives of the noble men and women who 
opened up the pathways of civilization in the great forests 



106 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

of the northwestern portion of Ohio, is a duty we owe to 
the living as well as the dead. 

The subject of my sketch, the Hon. Edwin Phelps, 
was a man richly endowed with every element necessary 
to make an energetic and successful pioneer. He was 
born December 30th, 18 15, at Richville, St. Lawrence 
county. New York, and at an early age he removed to the 
village of Defiance, long before Defiance county was es- 
tablished, and died September 28th, 1897. ^^ the even- 
ing of the day of his death, he retired to his room in his 
usual health, and in the morning when his family called 
him to breakfast, he did not answer. Going up to his 
room they found him resting upon his bed apparently 
asleep. The angel of death had called during the night 
and bore his spirit away to its eternal home. Mr. Phelps 
was a man imbued with a loving Christian spirit that 
commanded the respect and love of all his friends and 
neighbors, which comprised the whole community in 
which he lived and labored for more than sixty years. 

Throughout his long and busy life, he was intimately 
connected with many of the best interests of Defiance, 
and his official life, of many years, was without a blemish. 
He came to the county when it was a wilderness, and 
bravely bore his full part in the hard work of developing 
Northwestern Ohio, until it has become one of the most 
productive portions of our great State. He studied law, 
was admitted to the bar and was elected prosecuting 
attorney of Paulding county, which then comprised a 
portion of Defiance. In 1838 he was elected the first 
clerk of the county of Defiance, and served in that capa- 
city or as deputy tor thirty-three years. The work that 
he performed in this offtce will ever remain a lasting 
monument of his untiring industry and correct business 
habits. In 1862 Mr. Phelps was the Democratic candi- 
date for congress in this district, in a tri-angular contest 
between J. M. Ashley and Morrison Waite, late chief 



Memorial 107 



justice of the United States. After a spirited contest he 
was defeated, and Ashley was elected for his fourth term. 

As a citizen, husband and father, he was universally 
honored and respected by the entire community, who had 
perfect confidence in his honesty arid ability to discharge 
every trust confided to his keeping. Mr. Phelps was 
twice married. In 1841 he was married to Emily R. 
Eaton, of Cecil, Paulding county ; of this union three 
daughters were born, Adelaid V., who is dead; Emily G. 
who married Charles Seymour, and died in February, 
1874, and Ida R., who married John W. Gensheimer, and 
now lives at Erie, Pennsylvania. 

His first wife having died, he was married again in 
1862, to Evaline Richardson, who, with four children, 
survives him; Mary Alice, now Mrs. J. W. Ackley, now 
living in Granville, Ohio; Abbie, now Mrs. F. P. Wisen- 
berger, living in this city, and Helen D. and Edwin J., 
who live at home with their mother; worthy representa- 
tives of a noble husband and father, who has left them 
the precious legacy of an honorable and well spent life. 

He was a Mason and Odd Fellow, and in point of 
years, was the oldest member of either local lodge. In 
life he was honorable, patriotic and just, and in his death 
he left a memory that will long be remembered and cher- 
ished, not only by his many personal friends, but by all 
who enjoyed the pleasure of his acquaintance. 



108 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



OF 

HENRY S. LASKEY. 



Henry S. Laskey, a pioneer of the Maumee Valley, 
who lived in this vicinity more than 65 years, was born 
near Newton Abbot, Dovenshire, England, March 29, 
1833. died at his home in Toledo, May 23, 1899. 

When he was four months old his parents made the 
long move, that so many people were then making, to far 
off America, at which time a voyage across the Atlantic 
meant six to eight weeks of sailing. 

They landed at New York ; thence by canal to 
Buffalo, from Buffalo to Detroit, and on to Toledo, which 
then consisted of two small ports. Port Lawrence and 
Vistula, with forest trees on the banks of the Maumee 
between the two towns or settlements. 

Older members of the Southard family, brothers of 
Mr. Laskey's mother, had preceded them here and locat- 
ed in Washington township, where this family joined 
them and settled on a farm of eighty acres, part of which 
is located in Michigan. 

On this farm his childhood days were spent. When 
Henry was ten years old his father died, leaving the 
mother with a large family to care for and the farm to 
manage. 

On May i, 1856, Mr. Laskey was married to Miss 
Nancy Phelps, of Monroe county, Michigan, and located 
on a farm in Bedford township, Monroe county, Michigan, 
where they lived but a short time, because of the fact that 
his younger brothers had left the old home to which he 



Memorial. 



109 



returned, and cared for his mother until her death in Feb- 
ruary, 1878. 

In 1S80 he moved with his family to Grand Rapids, 
Wood county, Ohio, where he resided about thirteen 




HENRY S. LASKEY. 



years; moved to Toledo six years ago. He served his 
country in the war of the Rebellion as a member of the 
130th O. V. I., enlisting in 1863 and remained with the 



110 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

regiment as long as it was in the service. In his army 
Hfe he became a Christian. 

Nature had given him noble traits of character, and 
he at all times aimed to be a moral, upright man in his 
young manhood, but Christianity enriched him and broad- 
ened his ability for usefulness. His life was not one of 
wide influence and greatness as viewed from the stand- 
point of a public man, but it was replete with deeds of 
kindness and a good influence that was effective upon all 
who knew him. He was always found in the fore-front of 
movements for reform and good works in the community 
in which he lived; was firm in his convictions, ready to so 
give expression to his opinions, and he did this in such a 
manner as to retain the respect of those who differed from 
him. His character was such that at times ot community 
suffering and sorrow, all turned to him for wise counsel 
and sympathy because of the confidence reposed in him. 

The example of his life of constant, even disposition 
and temper, continued s.elf-sacrifice, his steadfast faith 
and trust in God, his hopefulness in adversity as well as 
in prosperity will be an inspiration to many who knew 
and loved him, as long as memory shall last to the end 
that we may perpetuate that influence among our asso- 
ciates that was so clearly exerted by his brotherly, manly 
and upright life. 

He leaves to mourn his departure and at the same 
time rejoice over the fond memories attending his life, a 
wife and six children, all of whom reside in Toledo: 
Effie L. Bertholf, Elmer W. Laskey, Arthur B. Laskey, 
Myrta M. Walters, Carrie E. Wright and Walden L. 
Laskey. 



Memory il. Ill 



OF 

MRS. SARAH F. WALTER. 

BY N. B. C. L. 



Sarah Force Walter was born in Bloomsburg, Penn- 
sylvania, in 1809. Her father, William Love, was born 
in Ireland, and was of Scotch-Irish parentage. Her mother 
was Susanna Force, of New Jersey parents. Both her 
father and mother were members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal church. She was the oldest of a family of nine 
children, while the youngest is Rev. Dr. N. B. C. Love, 
of the Central Ohio Conference. Her parents, when she 
was about ten years old, removed to Cadiz, Ohio, where 
for several years her father taught school, as he had done 
in Pennsylvania. In the school in Cadiz she was in the 
same class with Matthew Simpson, afterward Bishop 
Simpson, for two school years — the school he last attend- 
ed before his uncle, Judge Simpson, sent him away to an 
academy. When only a little girl she was converted, so 
that now for more than eighty years she has been a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. In her twenty- 
first year she married Mr. James Walter, of Rushville, 
Ohio, and in Defiance, Ohio, and in Circleville, Ohio, the 
most of her life has been spent. The past twenty-five 
years she has mostly lived in Defiance, Ohio, and was 
there well and kindly known as "Grandma Walter." A 
part of her family are residents of that city — Mr. Coulson 
Walter. Mrs. Arl Smith, Mrs. Oleon Try, Miss Emma 
Walter and Miss Caroline Walter. 

She was the mother of eleven children ; two of these, 
with her husband, have gone on before her to the better 
land. Mrs. Walter had a good English education, and 



112 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

was a wide reader and able writer, and even her last years 
were strong and clear in intellect. During the loneliness 
and deprivations incident to very old age, she always kept 
cheerful ; she had for all kind words, and often evinced 
her wit and humor by her apt sayings. She made the 
most of life. She had implicit trust in her Heavenly 
Father, and said in her last sickness she was ready to go. 
She spoke of those gone before as really existing as those 
.she was leaving behind. Said she: "I have lived a long 
while and am so tired, but there cometh rest." She was 
intelligently religious ; death to her was but a gate into 
life. 



Memorial. 113 



OF 

ISAAC VAN TASSEL, 

BY I. N. V. 



Isaac Van Tassel was born at East Durham, Greene 
county, New York, June 28, 1810. His ancestors were of 
that hardy Dutch stock that came from Holland and settled 
the New Netherlands during the stirring colonial period 
of this country's history. These people were noted for 
thrift, contentiment and loyalty to their government. 
Many of the family took an active part in the Revolution- 
ary War. Settlements of the family are yet found at 
Tarrytown and at other points in the vicinity of the 
Hudson River. 

The immediate ancestors of the subject of our sketch 
took up their abode in the region of the Gatskill Moun- 
tains, when that portion of the state was new to the 
civilizing hand of the white settler. Many families of the 
name still reside in this favored portion of the Empire 
State, satisfied to make their permanent abode in a region 
so favored as to climate and picturesque scenery. 

Isaac's father was Theodorus, a humble farmer who 
raised a family of fifteen children of which our subject was 
the eldest. The family was made up of ten brothers and 
five sisters, all reaching the age of maturity, and all mar- 
rying except one sister who died at the age of twenty-two. 
It is said that the family were never all assembled at one 
time, the older children having left the parental roof before 
the younger members had made their appearance upon 
the stage of action. 

Our subject early determined to procure all the edu- 



114 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



cation within his grasp, and attended the district school 
making the best possible use of his time. At the age ot 
seventeen he was asked to teach the home district school. 
This he consented to do with some reluctance, but aher 
having procured a permission to teach he took up the 
work and successfully carried it. 




ISAAC VAN TASSEL. 

After two or three years teaching in his own neighbor- 
hood he decided to try his fortunes in the Maumee Valley, 
where he came about 1829, at the request of his uncle, 
the Rev. Isaac Van Tassel, who had been placed in 
charge of the Indian Mission station a i^"^ miles above 



Memorial. 115 



the town of Waterville on the river. At this mission the 
subject of this sketch served as teacher of the school, 
which was made up of the children of the Indians with 
quite a per cent, of white children that came in from the 
families scattered up and down the valley for several 
miles. Of this school he remained in charge for about 
two years. One of the pupils in the school was a girl of 
about nine years who, thirteen years later, became his 
life partner. 

After leaving this school he entered Western Reserve 
College at Hudson, Ohio, where he studied two or three 
years. He paid his expenses in part by teaching select 
school at Warren, Wadsworth and other points in eastern 
Ohio. Owing to ill health he was compelled to abandon 
his studies and engaged in the work of teaching in Wood 
and Lucas counties, having had charge of schools at 
Waterville, Miltonville, W^eston and other points. 

In 1843, June 9, he was united in marriage to Miss 
Martha Louisa Martindale, daughter of Elisha and Clara 
(Conant) Martindale. The marriage was solemnized by 
Rev. Benjamin Woodbury, a minister of the Presbyterian 
church. To this union were born eight children : Mrs. 
John P. Barton, of Leipsic, Putnam county; E. H. Van 
Tassel, of Monroe county, Michigan; Prof. I. N. Van 
Tassel, of Bowling Green; Mrs. Robert Dunn and C. S. 
Van Tassel of same place, are the surviving children. 

Isaac Van Tassel, our subject, was an ordained elder 
in the Presbyterian church and helped in the organization 
of a number of the society's churches in this part of the 
country. His purpose in early life was to enter the work 
of the ministry, which plan was abandoned only after the 
fact was manifest that his health would not permit it. 

He purchased a farm of the government in Milton 
township, Wood county, where he removed with his 
family in 1845. Here he labored industriously in sub- 
duing his new farm and succeeded in making it a most 



116 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

pleasant and attractive home. Here he reared his family 
and the most pleasant years of his life were enjoyed. His 
neighbors honored him with various local offices. He 
served fifteen successive years as justice of the peace, 
was ever active in works of charity and philanthropy and 
was universally known as a man of unusual integrity and 
upright character, and his industry was remarkable. 

His was a most cheerful, boyant, hopeful temper- 
ament and in the darkest hour yielded not to discourage- 
ment. He was ever self-forgetful and ready to sacrifice 
personal comfort and health for those dependent upon 
him. He was a noble, upright Christian man and ready 
to all good work. In December, 1876, he removed with 
his remaining family to Bowling Green, his health having 
given away under his too arduous labor on the farm. His 
death occurred June 12, 1877. 



Memorial. 117 



OF 

REV. W. W. WILLIAMS, D. D. 

BY J. T. GREER. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Mt. Vernon, 
New York, on the 25th day of October, 182 1, and after 
receiving thorough collegiate and theological training in 
Eastern colleges, and devoting five years to the ministry 
as pastor of a church in New York State, he came to 
Toledo, and was settled as pastor in September, 1853, 
over the First Congregational Church, and continued his 
relation with this church until the time of his death, which 
occurred at his residence in Toledo on the 7th day of 
July, 1898. 

Too much cannot be said about the great work he 
accomplished as pastor of this church, how he commenced 
work with a small, but heroic band of worshippers, at a 
time when Toledo was only a small, struggling village, 
and that through his wise, untiring and courageous lead- 
ership, he lived to see the church, to which he devoted 
his life-work, one of the largest and most influential in the 
city. 

Others have paid fitting tribute to Dr. Williams as a 
minister of the gospel, and it is not the design of this 
brief article to review his great work in the church, so 
much, as to consider his life as a man and citizen. Al- 
though unswervingly loyal to the principles which he 
espoused and advocated, his life work was not confined to 
the lines of denominationalism, but extended to the 
broader lines of the common weal of society. 

He was broad minded, and always took an active 



118 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

interest and part in all things tending to the uplift of 
humanity and the betterment of society. He had clear 
perceptions on all questions of duty, and always discharg- 
ed his duties as a citizen fearlessly and conscientiously, 
and for the best interests of the public. Notwithstanding 
the fact that Toledo was a small, unhealthy and unattrac- 
tive village when he first became one of its inhabitants, he 
was not daunted or discouraged by any of these untoward 
circumstances, but went bravely to work to contribute his 
part in making it better, and he had an unshaken confi- 
dence in the growth and prosperity of the city from the 
beginning of his residence in it, and watched with eager 
interest the inception and enlargement of the varied in- 
dustries that have wielded such an influence in building 
up the city to its present proportions. In the later years 
of his life he took a just pride in looking at and comment- 
ing upon the multiplied industries that formed so import- 
ant part of the life of the city. During the last ten years 
of his life. Dr. Williams officiated at the laying away in 
the city of the dead, many of the early settlers of Toledo, 
those with whom he had been intimately and pleasantly 
associated by the strongest ties of friendship for many long 
years, and while he never indulged in fulsome praise of 
any one on such occasions, he always had some tender 
and consoling words to offer to grief stricken ones. He 
was naturally of a cheerful disposition, and was blessed 
with excellent health for full forty years of his ministry, 
and no more familiar figure was seen upon our streets and 
in the places of public assembly, than his, during the 
forty-five years residence in Toledo, and now that he has 
been called to his heavenly home to enjoy the rewards of 
a just, upright and righteous life, hosts of admiring friends 
remember him with tenderest affection, and his ennobling 
influence is still potent in leading others in the paths of 
duty and unselfish usefulness. 

In the hurry and bustle of life, it is well that we 
should pause and consider our own mortality, and in 
emulation of the radiant example of our departed friend, 
each strive to live as he lived, so that when we come to 
die, we may die as he died, in the triumphant hope of life 
eternal. 



Centennidl Appsal. 119 



OHIO CENTENNIAL OF J902. 



The pioneer element of Ohio will certainly hail with 
delight the consideration of the Centennial celebration, 
marking the looth anniversary of the incoming of our 
great State of Ohio into the Union. It seems very fitting 
that our Pamphlet should carry to the people of the 
Maumee Valley the very urgent appeal for all, and espec- 
ially the pioneers, to further the best interests of the 
enterprise. 

Ohio Centennial Association. 

HEADQUAKTEES SPITZER BUILDING. 



Toledo, Ohio, June 5th, 1899. 

To the Sons and Daughters of Ohio and Northwest 
Territory : 

The Ohio Centennial Association, organized to pro- 
mote the educational interests of the Ohio Centennial 
Exposition, 1902, send you greeting. We invite your 
CO operation, in helping us to make the first Centennial 
celebration of the admission of Ohio into the Union, 
memorable in the history of such historical events. Our 
purposes are to unite the men and women of Ohio and 
other states, formed from the Northwest Territory — 
Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota — 
in an effort to place Centennial programs in every school, 
club, association and organization, that we may widen our 
knowledge of the events of the fruitful century passing 
away. Also to unite in raising a fund for the erection of 
a Monumental Building on the exposition grounds, conse- 
crated to history and the fine arts, and dedicated to the 



120 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

memory of the men and women whose achievements have 
been unequalled in the history ot the human race. 

We also invite the co-operation of the Colonial 
states which founded pioneer settlements in Ohio, or fur- 
nished troops in the war which wrested the Northwest 
Territory from foreign domination and a savage foe ; also 
of the states of the great West, to the founding of which 
Ohio brawn and brain have contributed so much. We in- 
vite the formation of divisions from states and counties; 
and branches from cities and towns, and state and nation- 
al organizations. We invite contributions from individ- 
uals, in sums great and small. All names of donors will 
be preserved for record in the Monumental Building, and 
the sums received will be added to the funds provided by 
the State, the building to be erected to be under the care 
of the State. 

Ohio, the first fruits of the Ordinance of 1787, which 
guaranteed liberty throughout the great Northwest and 
founded free schools within our western borders; which 
made successful statehood in a hostile wild ; which gave 
the Republic one-tenth of all the soldiers enlisted for the 
preservation of the Union, and which rallied her volun- 
teers as effectively to free Cuba; which is foremost in 
science, invention, literature, art, mining, manufacturing 
and industries ; should command the best offering her 
sons and daughters have to give. We would particularly 
invite the children of the public, parochial and private 
schools the Sunday-schools, and benevolent schools, under 
the care of the state and counties, to contribute their part. 
We want every man, woman and child, Ohio born or of 
Ohio parentage, wherever found, at home or abroad, from 
Atlantic to the Pacific, the wide world over, to have a part 
in the grand structure to be erected on the Exposition 
grounds, at Bayview Park, on the borders of Lake Erie, 
within the boundaries memorable alike for victories on 
land and water, in the development of Ohio and the great 
ISTorthwest. 



Centennial Appeal. 121 



For information address the Secretary of the Ohio 
Centennial Association, Donations and contributions 
may be forwarded to the Treasurer, who is under bonds 
for the faithful discharge of his duties. Every one con- 
tributing the sum of twenty-five cents, or upwards, will 
receive the Ohio Centennial emblem free. This emblem 
will be a pin in the form ot a circle with rims of red, white 
and blue ; in the center a buckeye clustre, and the Asso- 
ciation motto words, "I am a Buckeye" and O. C. A., 
1902. 

Kate Brownlee Sherwood, President. 

Robinson Locke, \ 

Elizabeth Mansfield Irving, V Vice-Presidents 

D. J. O'Hara, J 

Emma Sibley Pease, Secretary. 

George B. Orwig, Corresponding Secretary. 

H. C. Adams, Treasurer. 

r Hon. Asa S. Bushnell, Governor of Ohio. 
Mrs. Asa Bushnell. 
Col. and Mrs. James Kilbourne. 

Honorary xj Inwivr F TCttmt fp vice-president Ohio Cen- 

PatrOnS "I JOHN r. IVUMLEk, tennial commission. 

Mrs. John F. Kumler. 

Mr. C. M. SpITZER, Spany. ^^'"^ ^'''*'''°'''^ 

Mrs. C. M. Spitzer. 



122 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



OF 

ALONZO CROSBY. 

BY REV. O. J. B. 



The incidents of pioneer life are such, that when the 
biography of one is recorded, you have largely the ex- 
periences of all. The things common to one country and 
age are the every-day occurrences of all the people, and of 
greater interest to unborn generation than to those of the 
age in which they were wrought. There being many 
biographies of persons along the Moumee Valley, whose 
experiences for hardships and misfortunes, have already 
found a place among the records of the Maumee Valley 
Pioneer Association, that we do not think it necessary to 
enter very much into detail concerning the subject of this 
sketch. 

Rensaleer Crosby and his wife, Lucinda Crosby, 
whose original home was in Chautauqua county, State of 
New York, and where there were born to them eight 
children, six sons and two daughters, among them the 
subject of this sketch, 

Rensaleer Crosby with his family emigrated to what 
was then thought to be the "Far West," in the year A. 
D., 1830, and settled tor a time at Waterville on the 
Maumee River. At this time Alonzo Crosby was sixteen 
years old, having been born in Chautauqua county, New 
York, January 16, A. D , 1814. His new home and sur- 
roundings had but few attractions for one who was nearing 
the life of general activities, and hence among the tangled 
forests and among the Indians who roamed the Maumee 
Valley at the time, he became early in life inured to the 
hardships of pioneer life. Among his new found pleas- 



Biography. 123 

ures, he became an expert in the use of the rifle, which 
served him faithfully in many a close engagement with 
ferocious animals that infested the "wild wood," his 
experiences thereby endowed him with the name of 
"Nimrod, the mighty hunter." 

His father's family resided at Waterville about two 
years, when he, the father, purchased a tract of land near 
the center of Providence township, Lucas county, and 
moved thereon, A. D., 1832. This farm is still known as 
the Crosby Farm, a part of which is now owned and 
occupied by a grandson. Here Alonzo Crosby spent the 
next twelve years of his life, dividing his time between 
working thereon and roaming through the forests in 
search of wild game. The forests at this time were 
infested with bear, wolves, deer, wild hogs, wild cats and 
smaller game in abundance. From this source the family 
larder was supplied with meat from time to time. He 
killed over one hundred deer annually and other game in 
proportion. The skins of deer, bear and all furs were a 
legal tender for all debts, and in great demand as a source 
of traffic. 

He had now attained the age of thirty years, which 
he considered a marriageable age, and that without dis- 
cussing the question as to whether marriage was a failure 
or not, selected for himself a companion and was married 
to Rachel Tipton, A. D., 1846, March 12, who still lives 
to bless his home. They went to housekeeping on what 
is now known as the Samuel Roach farm, he, Alonzo 
Crosby, being the owner in fee simple at the time. 

The morals of the country may be judged by its 
amusements, dancing, frolicking and drinking whiskey, 
were the principal attractions for both old and young. At 
this time, A. D., 1846, he heard the first Gospel sermon 
preached with but one single exception, since leaving 
their home in the State of New York, and at this time 
became a Christian and was, for some years, the leader 



l24 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Associaiiofi. 

of the Little Class, organized by Elder Tipton, a brother 
of Mrs. Crosby. 

He sold the larm after remaining thereon many years 
and went in search of a more congenial home, but after 
traveling over Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, he 
found nothing that filled his wants so perfectly as he could 
find in the country he .had left; therefore returned and 
purchased the farm on which he now resides. 

To them have been born six children, who have 
p-rown to man and womanhood, and have married and 
settled around him, which is a great blessing to him in 
his declining years. He has now passed his eighty-fifth 
mile stone, yet is well preserved, both physically and 
mentally, and as eager to learn the news from Cuba and 
Manilla as though but forty. 

This sketch would be doubly impaired were I to fain 
in giving one incident of his life which he loves to relate. 
Not long after the parent family were settled in their new 
home at Providence Center, the time arrived for the pay- 
ment of taxes, which were then payable at Perrysburg. 
His father suggested that some one should go and pay 
them. The lot fell upon Alonzo, and he therefore pro- 
ceeded to prepare for the journey which must be made on 
foot (and without the foot on the pedal of a wheel, either) 
throup^h an almost trackless forest. He donned his better 
garments over which he put his hunting frock, shouldered 
his rifle and is gone. On nearing Waterville he saw at a 
distance a herd of deer, and on approaching cautiously 
near, selected a bouncing buck as a target, takes aim and 
fires. The deer drops in his tracks. With knife in hand 
he rushes to the spot, but when within a rod or two the 
deer springs to its feet and makes a plunge for his captor, 
when the would-be captor took to his heels and ran as 
fast as a scared hero could. In running he caught his 
foot in the fork of a dead hmb lying in his path, which 
threw him to the ground. This accident gave Mr. Deer 



Biography. 125 

the right of way, the deer being up and the tax payer 
down. The deer thinking this an innovation in the art of 
hunting, stops short to see what trick of the trade would 
follow. Standing quietly for some time he finally retires 
a few rods and lays down to watch his victim. Mr. Crosby 
not daring to move while his foe was so near, now attempt- 
ed to load his rifle, (Winchesters were not popular at that 
time), when he found that in arranging for his journey he 
had overlooked a very important item, that of bullets. 
He now had the opportunity of his life to become famous 
as an inventor, as necessity is its mother, and that time 
had come. Therefore with the genius he possessed in 
his dilemma, he carved from a hickory sprout a missile 
which, when "rammed home" proved an extra substitute. 
Taking good aim at poor deer's optic, he fired, and there- 
by ends what otherwise might have been a tragedy. 



126 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



OF 

MRS. ALMIRA BROOKS COOPER, 
Widow of James Cooper, Sr., of Waterville, O., Aged 87 Years. 

BY G. 



The subject of this sketch, while not a pioneer in the 
sense of one who explores a new country, or leads in its 
earliest development, is certainly entitled to a place in the 
society of that noble band, and can take rank with those 
who have seen and taken part in the great struggle of 
making this part of our great Northwest to "bloom and 
blossom as the rose." To have lived fifty-five years in 
one locality is to see, in this age of progress, wonderful 
changes both in the face of the country and socially. 

Eighty-seven years ago in the little village of 
Champion, N. Y,, was born to Joseph and Thais Brooks, 
a dark-eyed little daughter, the youngest of ten children. 
The parents were truly pioneers of Western New York, 
going there from Massachusetts, when what is now the 
beautiful city of Utica, was a wilderness, known as the 
Whitestown Country. Four other young men and their 
brides went with them, and each took up land adjoining 
the others, and built log cabins as near together as their 
farms would permit. 

As the Indians were still hostile and troublesome, 
they all worked together in one field till it was ready for 
crops, and then all removed to the next farm to perform 
the same friendly office, till each one was in order, and 
none grumbled or complained that he suffered inconven- 
ience by thus managing. Those were days when one 
house was not only "large enough for two families," but 
five wives welcomed home five husbands each night to one 



Biography. 127 

small cabin, and all rejoiced that they could share each 
other's company and protection, the only difference being, 
that by common consent, the courtesy of the one bedstead 
was accorded to the family with whom all for the time 
tarried. The rest slept on the rough floor, keeping their 
guns, axes and other weapons of defense by their sides. 
At one time the savages sent them word that they were 
sharpening their knives to kill them all, but these fearless 
young men returned the answer, "Come on, we have 
plenty ol grindstones here to sharpen your knives." From 
such stock came the strong willed and sturdy daughters 
who were not afraid to face the inconvenience, if not the 
absolute suffering of early days in the Western Reserve. 
Joseph Brooks, the father of Almira, was a Revolu- 
tionary soldier during the last year of the war for inde- 
pendence, and 1812 found him again in the ranks, giving 
the strength of middle life, as he had of his young man- 
hood, to the service of his country. During this war he 
contracted a fever from which he died, leaving a large 
family, Almira being but nine months old. 

Her early life was all spent in Western New York, 
where she married James Cooper, who was also of Revo- 
lutionary stock, in the year of 1841. The fame of the fer- 
tile Maumee Valley had penetrated the sterile, rocky 
country on the St. Lawrence, and the young wife, after a 
hard struggle of three years against misfortunes, persuad- 
ed her husband to try far-off Ohio for a home. The snow 
was two feet deep in Oswego when the schooner left her 
harbor carrying the family and their small belongings to 
their new venture. 

Toledo was the objective point, and the last of Nov- 
ember, after two weeks' of storm and peril, found them 
three miles out in the bay, unable to take their craft, 
drawing eleven feet of water, any nearer. Tugs conveyed 
them to shore, and the first person to greet them was 
Dresden Howard, who took the little child from the 
mother's arms and assisted her to land. 



128 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

The Wabash and Erie canal had been dug, and was 
the principal route of travel, and to this thoroughfare our 
family wended its way through mud and water, there be- 
ing no sidewalic of any description from the place of land- 
ing to the canal, but even in those days Toledo had begun 
to grade her streets, and showed the thrift and enterprise 
which has made her the queen that she now is. 

So much has been told by others of those earlier days 
in Toledo, that we pass them by and take up the bio- 
graphy in Waterville, "loveliest village of the plain," 
where James and Almira Cooper decided to make their 
home. 

Between thirty and forty families constituted the vil- 
lage proper. Of the heads of these, only three are known 
to be living, Mrs. Lydia Smith and Mrs. Susan Pray, of 
Toledo, and the subject of this sketch, Mrs. Almira 
Cooper, of Bowling Creen. There was one church, the 
M. E., in the place, which was supplied once in four 
weeks, the pastor's circuit extending as far as Sylvania. 
A small frame school house was also erected, furnished 
with side desks and long benches, and presided over by a 
Mr. Spaulding. The school was in a very primitive state, 
and the advantages correspondingly poor. Mrs. Cooper 
interested herself in church and social duties, and soon 
had a sewing society formed of young ladies, of whom 
Mrs. Col. Moore, of Toledo, was one, the object of which 
was to buy books for a Sunday-school library. As her 
children grew older and less care, she established a Sab- 
bath-school in her own house, of which many members 
still survive. In this good work she continued many 
years, and has lived to teach the children's children, and 
receive the grateful thanks of many whose little feet she 
first started in the way of life eternal. Her home was 
ever open to the ministers of the two denominations who 
occupied the same pulpit, and the care of the place of 
worship fell into her willing hands for many years. She 



Biography. 129 

raised the money for the first coat of paint the church had, 
and assisted in the work of painting the interior. The 
terrible years of civil war found her busy in aid societies, 
knitting and sewing for the soldiers, and the first decora- 
tion services in Waterville were brought about by her un- 
tiring labors, and were made successful by the maiden 
efforts of our esteemed Secretary, J. L, Pray and O. W. 
Ballow, they being the orators of the day. 

There were but few soldier graves there at that time, 
and one carriage driven by the Hon. L. L. Morehouse, 
carrying four ladies, of whom Mrs. Cooper was one, con- 
stituted the procession ; but tee beautiful custom was es- 
tablished, and each succeeding year has found larger 
numbers and more enthusiasm, till the beautiful cemetery 
is now thronged with grateful hearts bearing fragrant 
tokens of remembrance in their hands. 

In 1868 James Cooper, the husband, died, since 
which time the wife has made her home with her daugh- 
ter, Mrs. Capt. L. Black, of Bowling Green, Ohio, 
but her life has not bee an ile one. Ever interested in 
her friends and the affairs of her country, she has been a 
source of comfort, inspiration and assistance to many, and 
the poor have ever found in her a sympathizing and 
helpful friend. 

Grandma Cooper, as she is now familiarly called, has 
always been endowed with a fine poetic instinct, which 
with a ready gift of rhyming, has made her the author of 
a great many beautiful poems on as many different sub- 
jects. A large number have found their way into print. 
The following, with which we close our sketch, was written 
by her for a pioneer meeting in Bowling Green several 
years ago : 

We give a hearty welcome 

To the brave old i^ioneer 

Who came into this country 

When all was wild and drear, 

And those who turned the old Black Swamp 



130 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Into a fertile plain, 

And covered it with roads and towns 

And fields of golden grain. 

The Indian once did roam this track 

With tomahawk and gun, 

He thought to drive the white man back, 

But fpund that was no fun ; 

And so he gathered up his traps 

And started for the West, 

And gave to you a title clear 

Of lands he once possessed. 

You came — the waters saw and fled 

In ditches down the hill ; 

The forest tree by axe fell dead 

Like men in battle field; 

And e'en the snakes took to their heels, 

If heels they had to take, 

They saw their judgment day had come 

When ploughs the earth did break. 

The women baked the Johnny cake. 
Of pounded corn and wheat, 
With good fresh fish and venison 
It made them quite a treat. 
Some rich folks had such luxuries 
As skillet and iron pot. 
And baking kettles too they had. 
The poor folks had them not. 

In summer time we cooked out doors, 
With lug pole, hook and chain ; 
Some times the sun was very hot, 
Some times it poured a rain. 
But what of that ? The land was ours, 
Though sometimes hard to find, 
For near two feet of water deep 
Was not quite to our mind. 

But soon these waters had to flow. 
They found they could not sleep. 
But quickly drained into a ditch 
Then plunged into the deep. 
And so we labored hard six days, 
Then came the seventh you know. 
With good mud boat and oxen strong 
■ To meeting we did go. 

The school house was our church and pride, 

With puncheon roof and floor. 

And two small windows side by side 



Biography. 131 

And boards we had for door. 

The men could go without their coats 

If weather was too warm, 
;A,nd women wore their home spun dress, 
, Nor thought it any harm. 

We took our dinners and our babes, 

To the children 'twas a treat 

To go to meeting, stay all day, 

At noon have cake to eat. 

The preachers were of different kind 

From those of recent date, 

They'd preach from morning until noon, 

Then after noon till late. 

'Twas seldem we got home in time 
A supper warm to get ; 
But did our chores, ate mush and milk, 
And then to bed we crept. 
Our neighbors lived so far aw^ay 
'Twas seldom they did call. 
But relatives of different kinds 
Would come both Spring and Fall. 

We had ants by the dozens. 
And so many cousins 
Who would call for a bite 
And stay with us all night ; 
So to keep them away 
And not let them stay. 
We built a great smoke 
And shut to the door. 
Then blew out the light 
And slept on the floor. 

We heard the wolf howl. 
And the hoot of the owl ; 
The orchestra played. 
The frogs serenade. 
As we feared for the sheep 
A strict watch did keep. 
The ducklings and hens 
We shut up in pens. 
Lest the fox should affright 
Or catch them at night. 

So pioneer life was labor and strife. 

Some proofs yet remain, in road or in lane; 

By barn or by sty the mud boat doth lie. 

But the cart that we rode in when the weather was dry, 

Is changed for a carriage, by fine horses drawn, 

While the ox is forgotten, or feeds on the lawn. 



132 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

The scythe is hung high, not oft taken down, 

While the men ride the mowers, like lords of the town ; 

The cradles rock only the babies in pain, 

And men ride their reapers while cutting their grain. 

All's changed but Time's sickle, which angel hands wield 

To gather the golden from life's harvest field, 

And as they pass by us, they whispering say 

Ye too are fast changing — fast passing away. 



Biography. 133 



OF 

WILLIAM ESWORTHY. 



One of the spriteliest octogenarians that has been for 
some time one of the dwellers of the Maumee Valley is 
Mr. William Esworthy, Everyone in the vicinity of 
Waterville or the southwestern part of Lucas county 
knows William Esworthy. He was born on the banks of 
the Springdale, in Dauphin county, fifteen miles east of 
Harrisonburg, January 25th, 181 7. His father was a native 
of Chester county, Pennsylvania. His ancestors were 
formerly from Switzerland, On the 2 2d of February, 
1844, he married Miss Catherine Ann Wise, of Lebanon 
county, Pennsylvania. The ceremony was performed by 
Rev. Earnst, of the Lutheran Church at Lebanon. 
They lived in Pennsylvania, where their children 
were born until 1868, when they moved to Waterville, 
and settled on the farm of Thomas Shoemaker. 
They were blest with two sons and five daughters. Their 
sons are John N., now a very substantial and flourishing 
farmer in Waterville township; Samuel N., was a dealer 
in farm implements and went west several years ago. The 
eldest of the family was Mary M., who married Mr. Henry 
Longnecker in 1863 and died in 1870 ; Eliza, married 
Joseph Snyder and lives in Providence township, Lucas 
county; Catharine Ann and Annie were born in Pennsyl- 
vania and each died in childhood. Mr. Esworthy was the 
constant tenant for Mr, Shoemaker on his farm for over 
twenty years, his son John N. succeeding him, Mr. 
Esworthy has been a widower for several years, and is 
spending his latter years with his children. His health is 
excellent for his years. He is not a communicant of any 
church and is a non-combatant in politics. 



134 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

OF 

DAVID FINKENBINER. 

BY W. E. K. 



David Finkenbiner was born April 25, 18 18, near 
Shippensburg, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. His 
parents, Henry Finkenbiner and Catherine Kitch Finken- 
biner, came to New Philadelphia in 1824. They had a 
family of four boys and two girls; only David and his 
brother Samuel are now living; Samuel lives in Provi- 
dence township, Lucas county, and is 79 years old. 

The subject of our sketch lived in New Philadelphia 
until twenty-three years old, when he came to Stark 
county, learned the blacksmith trade ; came to Grand 
Rapids (then Gilead) in 1850; boated on the canal until 
war broke out. He enlisted in 21st O. V. I, served two 
years, and erysipelas in the face caused the loss of sight 
of right eye, and he was discharged. When his erysipelas 
was cured he re-enlisted in 14th O. V. I., with Captain J. 
J. Clark, and remained until close of the war. He was 
wounded in the ankle and draws a good pension. Was 
married in 1846 in Stark county, to Susan Snyder. His 
children are, Mrs. Louise Meinert, Tontogany, Mrs. Mary 
Wall and George Finkenbiner, Grand Rapids, and has 
nine grand children. He lives with his wife on his farm 
east of Grand Rapids. His health is good, working a 
little every day, and chops his own wood. Votes the 
Democratic ticket; uses tobacco sparingly; never recover- 
ed sight of right eye. 



Biography. 135 

OF 

JOHN GRANT. 

BY H. MADDEN. 



John Grant, of Monroe township, Putnam county, 
Ohio, is the oldest Hving pioneer and farmer of the town- 
ship, and was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, July ii, 
1822, of evidently Scotch descent. His grandfather, also 
named John Grant, was a native of New Jersey, and 
plainly came from an anti-Revolutionary family. From 
New Jersey he moved to Washington county, Pennsyl- 
vania, and thence came to Ohio and settled in Stark 
county. There he underwent all the vicissitudes of 
frontier life, but eventually developed a farm of 160 acres 
from the forest, on which he passed the remainder of his 
life. He had married in Washington county, Pennsyl- 
vania, a Miss Cosner, who, with him died in the faith of 
the Presbyterian church. 

Mr. Grant was a man of splendid physical develop- 
ment, and like most powerfully built men possessed a 
kindly and admirable disposition In politics he was a 
Jacksonian Democrat. 

David Grant, father of our subject, was born in 
Washington county, Pennsylvania, was reared a farmer 
and there married Rebecca Raps, this union resulting in 
the birth of the following children in the order here 
named : Mary A., John, Joseph, Harriet, David, Lytia, 
George, Eunice, Rebecca, Runie and Jeremiah. Coming 
to Ohio from Pennsylvania, David with his family resided 
in Jefferson county, and then went to Sandusky county, 
and there he bought a farm of 160 acres near Fremont 



136 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

and took possession oi it ere there had been built a cabin, 
but from the wilds of this tract he eventually brought 
forth a farm that was both productive and beautiful. At 
this time there were a few cabins scattered about the 
neighborhood and a few white settlers, but there were 
plenty of wigwams and Indians and wild animals. Mr. 
Grant became one of the most prominent residents of 
Sandusky county, was a leader in the local politics of the 
Democratic party, and a pillar in the Methodist Episcopal 
church. Financially he was well conditioned, and conse- 
quently greatly respected. 

John Grant, the gentleman whose name opens this 
sketch, was reared to agriculture and received as good a 
literary education as could be obtained at the pioneer log 
school house of his early boyhood. His first start in life 
was as a stock dealer. He married Miss Rebecca San- 
ford, a native of Seneca county, Ohio, and daughter of 
John and Rebecca (Cassidy) Sanford. This happy union 
resulted in the birth of the following children : David, 
Frank, Joseph, Lecta, Alice and Lewis. In 1850 Mr. 
Grant settled on his present farm, there being at that 
time but two spots in the whole township that was cleared. 
Bear and deer and other game abounded as well as wolves 
and panthers. He wrought out from the forest a home of 
which he may well be proud, and after undergoing all the 
privations and hardships of a frontier life in this county, 
has been rewarded by a competence consisting of his well 
improved homestead of 160 acres, and an additional farm 
of 40 acres in Defiance county. He has been able besides 
to generously assist his children in their life start, and also 
to place some of his surplus capital at interest, thus pro- 
viding for his declining years. 

His faithful life partner survived until July 25, 1893, 
when she expired in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal 
church of which she had been a life-long member. 

Mr. Grant before the war was a Republican and was 



Biography. 137 

always a patriotic unionist, and when the rebelHon broke 
out volunteered in defense of the national flag, but his 
services were declined on account of disability evidenced 
by the oncoming of age. He still adheres to his political 
proclivities, and as a Republican he served as township 
treasurer nearly thirty years and has also filled the office 
of trustee and supervisor of his township. As a Methodist 
he has fully lived up to the teachings of his church, the 
meeting house of which denomination in his township, he 
largely aided, through his contributions, to build. He is 
largely tcnown throughout the country, and his venerable 
but still comparatively upright form, is reverenced and 
honored wherever seen. 



138 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

OF 

ISAAC GROFF. 

BY W. E. K. 



Born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, November 
27th, 18 18; married to Margarette Campbell, and came 
to Columbus, Ohio, in 1840. Of a family of six, only 
three are living. Isaac and Mary live in Columbus, and 
Mike has a farm near Grand Rapids. True love does not 
always run smoothe, and separation divided this family. 
Mr. Groff went to Fort Wayne four years, then came to 
Grand Rapids in 1865, having married a widow, Mrs. 
Mains, of Columbus. They live on a farm near Grand 
Rapids. Mr. Groff began the miller's trade when a boy 
of 14 or 15 years old, and followed it 39 years. He run 
a mill for Mr. Comstock in Columbus, during the early 
part of our civil war, and tells many incidents very inter- 
esting. He also loves to tell of the blacksmith, Jim 
Bear, of Bloomfield, Ohio, who could make a horseshoe 
complete with one " heat," and could make stump 
speeches, and stumped the State of Pennsylvania for W. 
H. Harrison in 1840. Many old men still remember Jim 
Bear's work and speeches. Mr. Groff cast his first vote 
for Harrison, and has always been Whig and Republican. 

Mr. Groff is well and strong, very active for one of 
his age. He never used whiskey or any intoxicants. His 
father, Michael Groff, was in the Revolutionary War. 



Biography. 139 



OF 

JOHN KIMBERLIN. 

BY W. E. K. 



John Kimberlin, of Grand Rapids, Ohio, was born in 
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, February 2, 1820. 
His grandfather, George KimberHn, was born in Penn- 
sylvania, and served under General Washington. His 
father, Henry Kimberlin, also born in Pennsylvania, and 
served seven month under General W. H. Harrison. 
The subject of this sketch with his brothers George and 
Jacob, served in the civil war, in Company I, 144 O. V. I. 
His father came to Wayne county, near Dalton, in 1827, 
and to Wood county in 1831. In 1836 he bought the 
farm where John, Millie and Eliza still reside, these three 
never marrying. 

When Henry Kimberlin came to Wood county his 
neighbors in Wayne county told him he had better take 
his cofifin with him, yet he lived to raise a large family and 
died of old age, being 74. His wife also died of old age 
at 81. One daughter died at eleven and these three are 
the only deaths on this farm since 1834 where two families 
have lived nearly all the time. 

John Kimberlin's sisters, Mrs. Mary Ann Gilmore 
and Mrs, Delilah Dull are both deceased, also Martha 
Jane who died when eleven years old. The other mem- 
bers of the family living are Mrs, Frances Older, jj years, 
living in Michigan; George, 75, Bowling Green, Ohio; 
Jacob, 73, Millie, 71, Eliza, 69 and Mrs. Katherine Brown, 
6"], all living in Grand Rapids township. Our subject is 
in good health for one of his age and is in the dairy busi- 
ness. He never used intoxicants and has been a member 



140 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

of the U. B. church for many years. His father was a U. 
B. preacher and farmer. They were old Hne Whigs, 
Abolitionists and Republicans. Our subject only lacked 
four months of being old enough to vote for Gen. W. H. 
Harrison, and tells many incidents of that memorable 
campaign. He was the best chopper in this region and 
could cut down the trees and split 300 rails a day at 50 
cents a hundred, making $1.50 a day when the usual 
wages were 50 cents a day. Harvest wages was usually 
a bushel of wheat for a day's work. 

When they came to this place, Arnold Donaldson, 
Alex. Brown, John Gingery and Jacob Crom, were the 
only families on Beaver Creek, and their "neighbors were 
anyone who lived within twenty miles around," 



Biography. 141 



OF 

ISSAAC LUDWIG AND WIFE. 

BY W. E. K. 



Isaac Ludwig was born in York county, Pennsyl- 
vania, ten miles from Little York, February 21st, 1819, 
and has lived in Providence township, Lucas county, O., 
for over 50 years. 

He bought 64 acres when he first came here, where 
he established his home, and has added hundreds of acres 
to his possessions since that. He was a carpenter and 
shipbuilder, and built boats on the canal after he came 
here. Not many years ago he had a large flouring mill 
built on the Providence side of the river, and spent a large 
amout of money on it, but not understanding the milling 
business, he sold it to Augustine Pilliod, a practical mil- 
ler, and it is doing a great business. 

In 1843 Mr. Ludwig was married to Miss Christena 
Ness (or Nees some call it) and they have five sons and 
one daughter all living : Frank, Mary, Charles, Nelson, 
William and Hiram. Mary married Jacob Heeter, and 
live in Iowa. Charles lives in Snohomish City, Washing- 
ton, William in Continental, Ohio. Mr. Ludwig is a 
large, healthy man, good for many more years, and his 
wife will be 80 years old in October, 1899. Her brother, 
Mike Ness, is well known in Lucas county, and her sis- 
ters, Mrs. Henry Strayer and Mrs. Amos Perry, are 
widows, living on farms near Ludwig's. 



142 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association, 



OF 
JOHN PLACE. 

BY W. E. K. 



John Place, of Grand Rapids, Ohio, was born in 
England at Littleport, Cambridgeshire, July i8, 1820 and 
came to America, June 25, 1850. He lived four years in 
Medina county, then came to Providence township, Lucas 
county in 1854, bought a farm, cleared it up, added to it 
and lived on the same place ever since. In 1843 he mar- 
ried Lydia Banyard, the youngest of eleven children. 
Mr. Place was the youngest of four children. His father, 
John Place died of consumption when young John was 
nine years old. Mr. and Mrs. Place joined the Methodist 
church in 1843 ^^^ have been faithful Christian workers 
ever since. 

In the early days and in cholera season, in fact until 
just lately, Mr. and Mrs. Place have assisted in making 
shrouds and burying nearly everyone who died in that 
vicinity. Always kind and obliging, a good neighbor, 
honorable in all things. 

During the war when hands were not to be hired, 
Mr. and Mrs. Place raised and harvested with no other 
help, 526 bushels of grain. John cut it all with the cradle 
and Lydia raked and bound it all. They have done their 
share of labor and all he has to say to us is, "Be prepared 
we know not when we may be called home." 



Biography. 143 



OF 

GEORGE W. REYNOLDS. 

BY F. E. G. 



One of our rather old-timers, George W. Reynolds, 
born February 2d, 1809, near Rome, New York State. 
In 1830 he went to Natchez, Mississippi, and engaged in 
merchandizing. After 10 years he became disgusted 
with results of slavery, and sought a free State where to 
rear and educate his family. In May, 1841, he came to 
Maumee, a young city of great promise, with the purpose 
of building a saw and flour mill, as people must have 
lumber and flour. General John E. Hunt, city proprietor, 
had and furnished him a good mill site, for water power, 
from the Wabash, Miami and Erie Canals, which was 
completed, and water let into the Maumee on the high 
level with 62^ leet fall — canal to river. Plems & Whit- 
ney were finishing a side cut into the river for boats to 
lock down to river, where, at Miami, Smith & Hazard, 
two enterprizing young men from the East, had already a 
warehouse well stocked with salt, iron nails, etc. Mr. 
Reynolds soon erected a saw mill, cat timber for the flour 
mill, and before winter the Pearl mills were enclosed. As 
soon as finished, he advertized to grind for all customers 
from 100 miles South, East, North and West. He built 
extensive sheds for teams, a good lodging house, with 
clean straw beds, and plenty of wood at its door. Soon 
an army of hungry men came with two and four-horse 
loads for grinding. The mill ran all night, so that comers 
could load and start home in the morning, over new but 
bad roads, many of them two days' journey. The rush 
soon made it look to outsiders that the mill was coining 



144 



The Mawnee Valley Pioneer Association. 



money. But after the boom of 1836-7 had busted, no 
money in circulation, and the price of every farm product 
very low, it was very hard to get silver money, even to 
pay postage. Fortune making was at a discount. 

In 1846 Mr. Reynolds, needing regular transporta- 
tion for the output of his mill to Buffalo, enlisted Messrs. 




GEORGE W. REYNOLDS. 



Spencer & Moore to join him in building the propeller 
Globe, which was a success, making weekly trips between 
Maumee and Buffalo. Later, when a telegraph line was 
being built from Buffalo via Maumee and Toledo to De- 
troit, the builder came to Mr, Reynolds for help to con- 
tinue it from Sandusky to Maumee. Mr. Reynolds fur- 



Biography. 145 

nished money for the same, and received pay all in tele- 
graphing. Later, Judge Lane, of Sandusky, and others 
projected the Junction Railroad, from Cleveland via San- 
dusky and Perrysburg, Maumee and West to Fort 
Wayne. Mr. Reynolds was made managing director at 
this end, and entered actively into its construction, locat- 
ing and putting under contract from 12 miles east of 
Perrysburg, its grading and ties to Swanton, including the 
J^jj foot Howe truss bridge over the Maumee river at 
Maumee, being 50 feet high, and Mr. Reynolds procured 
all the money from city, township and county bonds, and 
paid every dollar for right of way, grading and ties ready 
for the rails. In about 1858, he, with Spencer & Moore, 
put in the frame of a 700 ton steamer, and planked the 
same in front of Judge Wolcott's residence. Some Cleve- 
land builder looked at, liked the model, and bought it for 
upper lake trade. In 1863 Mr. Reynolds, with John A. 
Moore, built a smaller boat to run between Maumee and 
Toledo, called the George W. Reynolds, (much against 
the will of Mr. Reynolds.) Capt. Swift furnished and put 
in a low pressure engine, and run the boat. 

In 1859 Mr. Reynold sold the Pearl mills to W. B. 
Dicks, and bought the croton mills built by Garrett & 
Merwin, and rebuilt the interior entire. With S. W. 
Flower, now of Toledo, operated the same till 1874. 

Mr. Reynolds served as mayor of Mamuee, and also 
as commissioner of Lucas county a term. 

But the bell rings to stop this, and prevents our nam- 
ing other enterprises of this one man. He with others 
projected the Narrow Gauge Railroad from Toledo via 
Maumee, Waterville, Grand Rapids, Delphos and Koko- 
mo to St. Louis. He was Vice-President ; secured all 
the right of way, put all grading and ties under contract, 
and superintended its building to Maumee, purchased rails 
and rolling stock for same, and after the track was laid 
to Waterville, sold out his interest to D. W. H. Howard. 
In 1876 Mr. Reynolds went to Texas, but now resides in 
Minneapolis, Minn. He will be 90 years old February 
2d, 1899. tie is in good health at this writing, July 1899. 



146 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



OF 

JOSEPH REYNOLDS. 

BY W. E. K. 



Joseph Reynolds, of Grand Rapids, Ohio, was born 
in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, May i, 1820, and came to 
Gilead, now Grand Rapids, in March 1841. The M. & 
E. canal was not finished then, the Wabash canal being 
finished to LaFayette. Mr. Reynolds was a hand on the 
first packet running on the Wabash, called the "Red 
Bird Line." After residing in Gilead five years he spent 
twelve years in Wood and Hancock counties, and in 1857 
came to Texas, Ohio, where he lived about 27 years. 

In 1 86 1 Joseph Reynolds enlisted in the 14th O. V. 
L, with General Steadman, an old friend of his, and served 
four years and went through all, he says, "without a 
scratch." He is in excellent health for one in his 80th 
year, and prospects for many years yet. 

He was married March 29, 1847, to Mary A. Ens- 
minger, of Hancock county. Fifty friends surprised them 
on their golden anniversary and the occasion will never 
be forgotten by all who were there. Mr. Reynolds has 
been in the employ of the State Board of Public Works 
tor thirteen years, but his regular trade, like Grant, was a 
tanner and currier. When a boy he worked in Ports- 
mouth, Ohio, and in Wayne county, clerking in store and 
post office and shoe store. He tells of 30,000 people 
gathering in Chillicothe in 1840 during the Harrison 
campaign and staying there two days and nights. Great- 
est and most exciting campaign ever in this country. 

Mr. Reynolds father was a Frenchman, Joseph Rey- 



Biography. 147 

nolds, a surgeon under Napoleon Bonapart about 1815, 
and died in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1825. Mr. Reynolds 
had the honor of seeing- and shaking hands with General 
LaFayette in 1824. They carpeted the sidewalks and all 
school children were vieing with their seniors in showing 
him honor. Mr. Reynolds tells ol the cholera season of 
1833. Not a bird was heard in that vicinity for three or 
four weeks ; the town depopulated ; many dying and 
others moving away. Flies were nearly as scarce as the 
birds, only a few lingered around the tannery. He also 
mentioned the meteoric shower of November 13 and 14, 
1833 as never to be forgotten. No children. His name 
may have been spelled differently in the French. 



148 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

OF 

WILLIAM SAVAGE. 

BY W. E. K. 



William Savage, of Grand Rapids, Ohio, was born 
January i8, 1819, near Reading, Berks county, Pennsyl- 
vania. His father, Joseph Savage, lived to be 85 years 
old, as did his grandfather. His mother's maiden name 
was Mary Stahl. 

Mr. Savage lived in Pennsylvania until he was about 
36 years old, when he moved to DuPage county, Illinois, 
where he lived about four years. He then came to Prov- 
idence township, Lucas county, where he has lived ever 
since, nearly 40 years. When he was about 23 or 24 
years old he was married to Mary Schatz. Nine children 
blessed this union; one died in Pennsylvania about four 
years old; Mrs. Sadie Killen and Mrs. Lina Algie are 
both dead. Sadie left one daughter, Rebekah Killen. 
Levi Savage lives in Toledo, is a grain inspector ; James, 
Walter and William live at home ; Mary lives in Napol- 
eon. His wife died in 1872 and four years afterwards he 
married her widowed sister. She died about eight years 
ago. Mr. Savage is hale and hearty, straight as an 
arrow, a good, kind neighbor and has seen many develop- 
ments in his time. He tells of the Philadelphia & Read- 
ing Railroad, the first he ever saw, also of the Mexican 
war. Civil war and Spanish war, although he never was a 
soldier. He was always a Democrat until lately, now he 
chooses the best man. He is a member of the German 
Lutheran church. 



Biography. 149 

OF 

HEROD STOCKING. 

BY W. E. K. 



Herod Stocking, of Grand Rapids, Ohio, was born in 
Dover, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, July 5th, 18 19. His 
father, Joseph Stocking, was born in Ashfield, Mass., and 
lived to be 95 years old. His mother, Jane Fisher, was 
born in Martha's Vineyard, Mass., and lived to be 82, 
They lived together nearly 60 years. They came to Ohio 
in 1 8 16, and spent the remainder of their life on the same 
farm, and the youngest son still lives on the same place. 
Herod was one of eleven children. Justus lived to be 70, 
James Smith 2>o, S. Scranton %6, Richard Weldon 7©, 
Abner 40, Mrs. Abigail Finney 40, Mrs. Jane Chadwick 
78, Martha Ann 62, Joseph, still living on the farm at 
Dover, about 73. 

Herod Stocking was married in 1841 to Adaline 
Fitch shortly after the election of W. H. Harrison. He 
moved to Angola, Indiana, in 1845, ^"^^ lived there seven 
years, when they returned to Cuyahoga and Lorain 
counties. He came to Wood county in 1866 or '6^. 
They had five children, but only one lives to comfort their 
declining years: Frank, born 1843; Roselle 1845, living 
14 months; Joseph, born in Angola in 1847, ^^^Y lived 
16 months ; Joseph Chester, also born in Angola, in 1851, 
died in Toledo March 11, 1899. Willis, the one now liv- 
ing, was born in Dover, Ohio, January 31, 1861, just after 
Fort Sumpter was fired on. He lives in Auburndale, 
Toledo, with his wife and one son, Lynn, 12 years old. 
Frank died a year ago, leaving one daughter, Addie, now 



150 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

living with her grandparents. Joseph C. left a widow and 
three children : Ernest, now married, Ethel, who gradu- 
ates from Toledo High School, June, 189Q, and Myrrl, 
about 14 years old. 

Mr. Stocking cast his first vote for William Henry 
Harrison, and tells of the crowd shouting "Hurrah for 
Harrison." When a neighbor said "Hurrah for the 
Devil," Mr. Stocking retorted, "every man hurrah for his 
OWN candidate." 



Reminiscences. 151 



REMINISCENCES OF A PIONEER OF FULTON 
COUNTY, OHIO. 

BY W. K. LOVE. 



While not among the oldest of the pioneers of the 
Maumee Valley, I am greatly interested in all accounts of 
early settlements ; and being a pioneer of Ohio and an 
early settler of the Maumee Valley, I will cast my "mite" 
of early recollections by giving a very brief account of my 
first coming into the State, and my subsequent settlement 
in the Valley. 

On September 12, 1841, my father and mother with 
a family of eight children left New Jersey to try their 
fortunes in the western wilds. After ten years of hard- 
ships in Huron county, Ohio, father resolved to go 
farther west and, accordingly, in the autumn of 1851, we 
removed to Iowa. The journey was made with ox teams 
and took seven weeks and two days. 

The privations which we underwent, with sickness, 
sore eyes, and all the hardships incident to a new 
country, can only be understood by those who have, 
themselves, undergone such privations. At the end of 
two years we were forced to return to Huron county, 
where I remained until 1866, when I first came to the 
Maumee Valley, stopping at Washington Station, now 
known as Colton. 

The country was new and wild, but, clearing land, 
ditching, and making railroad ties was work in which^ I 
gloried in those days. Making only an approximate 
estimate, I am safe in saying that I have cleared 150 acres 
of land, and dug ditches for the drainage of many more 
acres. 1 do not say this boastfully, although it seems to 



152 The Ma.umee Valley Pioneer Association. 

me that pioneers have a right to boast. We have trans- 
formed the wilderness into a garden fit for the habitation 
and enjoyment of the present generation, and of genera- 
tions yet unborn. 

I am now 6^ years old, but I delight to indulge in 
reveries of by-gone days. I sometimes think that were I 
young again, that strange influence of the wilderness 
which can be felt but not expressed, might again entice 
me into its enchanting wilds, regardless of the hardships 
to be endured. For : 

"There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, 
There is a rapture on the lonely shore, 
There is society where none intrudes 
By the deep sea, and music in its roar. 
I love not man the less, but Nature more. 
From these our interviews, in which 1 steal 
From all I may be, or have been before, 
To mingle with the universe, and feel 
What I can ne'er express, yet cannot all conceal." 



Reminiscences. 153 



REMINISCENCES OF PIONEER LIFE IN SWAN CREEK 
TOWNSHIP, FULTON COUNTY, O. 



BY JOHN B. WAGGONER. 



My grandfather was a native of Switzerland, and 
came to this country in 1772. At the breaking out of the 
Revolutionary war, he joined in the defense of his new 
country, and after a service of seven years settled in 
Pennsylvania, and later moved to Hagentown, Maryland, 
and in 1794 he moved to Perry county, Ohio, with a friend 
named Poorman. Each had a horse, and their goods were 
packed on the horse's back. They were the first white 
settlers in that locality, and endured many hardships. I 
have often heard my father tell how plenty all wild game 
was, and how they lived on wild meat and hominy. Dur- 
ing the war of 18 12 my father joined General Harrison's 
army at Lower Sandusky, and marched through the Black 
Swamp to Fort Meigs. He had resolved that at some 
time he would locate near Lower Sandusky, but did not 
until April, 1826, when he located about six miles this 
side of where now stands Fremont. I was at that time 
six years of age. Our family was joined with three other 
families and formed a colony. This was enjoyable, and 
we were happy. One day the farm labor would all be on 
one farm, and perhaps the next day on another, and so on 
around, so that we were generally all working together. 

There were no ministers or lawyers among us — we 
did not seem to need any. At length others came, and 
while some would only stay a short time, some would re- 
main and share the hard times. We had no schools in 
our midst until I was 16 years of age. We were obliged 
to work hard and live hard, but that was better than medi- 
cine. We had plenty to eat, such as fresh venison and 



154 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

"turkey hominy," or green corn, and for our beverage we 
had spice-wood tea, which some people called fever tea. 
During the third year of our stay, a mill was put up in the 
neighborhood by which corn meal was ground. The first 
seed wheat sown in our neighborhood was procured by 
my father. It was raised at Melmore, south-east of 
Tiffin. It took him six days with the ox team to get three 
bushels, which was sown and yielded 45 bushels. We 
reaped it with a sickle, and threshed it with an " Arm- 
strong " machine, which we called a flail. By that time 
we had a log barn in which was a puncheon floor keyed 
together, and a saw ran through the joints to let in light. 
Our fanning mill consisted of a shovel with which we 
would scoop to one end and then to another, against the 
wind. The wheat was ground like corn, and sifted with a 
fine sieve, so we were enabled to have wheat bread. By 
that time there were probably a dozen families in the 
neighborhood, and a minister came to preach to us. The 
devil broke loose among us and a lawyer was necessary, 
and he came, and soon another minister and another 
lawyer. 

Indians were very plenty. They spent their time 
hunting and making maple sugar. They were Wyandottes, 
Potawatomies and Shawnees. In those days they were 
generally friendly and harmless, and often came to our 
home. We thought them good people. They taught 
my father to tan deer skins for our pants and moccasins, 
which we generally wore. The present generation has 
but a feeble idea how the early pioneers lived and did. 
Our log cabins were built without a single nail or a sawed 
board. The floor was split out of logs, and hewed down 
even. So was the material for the doors with cross pieces 
pinned on, which also served for hinges, and a wooden 
latch was on the inside with string that could be pulled 
in at night. Our meat supply was principally jerked ven- 
ison. Deer were plenty. I have seen as many as fifty in 



Reminiscences. 1 55 



one group. If it had not been for the abundance of wild 
game, we would have suffered greatly. The Indians did 
not waste meat, nor kill when they did not need. 

We were troubled some with ague, but if it came up- 
on one of us, usually an Indian medicine man would come 
along with a cure, and- they never charged anything. We 
brought sheep along with us, and my mother carded the 
wool on a hand card; after it was spun on a small wheel. 
My uncle made a loom, and my aunt wove it into cloth. 

Those days we knew nothing of Java or Rio coffee. 
Our coffee at first was made of corn, but later of rye and 
sweetened with maple sugar, of which we were generally 
well supplied, but it did not sell. Honey was very plenty, 
but there was no market for it. But beeswax, deer skins 
and fur skins would sell readily. 

At that time Lower Sandusky had only four log 
cabins, all of which were used by traders with the Indians. 
If a white man was trading with the trader, and an Indian 
came in to trade, the white would step back and let the 
Indian trade first. 

We came to Swan Creek township, Fulton county, in 
1852, and I entered my land from the government. It 
was then two-and-a-half miles to my nearest neighbor. 
Here we were troubled considerably with fever and ague. 
During the year three families settled near us, but did not 
stay the first year out. They sold their land for less than 
the government price, and they went back east where they 
came from, and never got a foot of land again. I 
bought more land for less than government price, and it 
is true that our land was poor then with swamps and 
marshes, and fever and ague was prevalent. Soon more 
came and left as others had before, but I stayed and work- 
ed hard, and lived hard, and I am here yet and in my 8ist 
year. Some of my neighbors came to stay — bought their 
lands at low price, and now have as good farms as there 
is in the State. They have good barns with slate roofs, 



156 The Moumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

good horses and buggies — they go to church every Sun- 
day. When we were all poor we were all alike. What 
one had the other was welcome to use. I had the only 
team in the neighborhood at one time, but my neighbors 
were free to use it also, until they could raise their teams. 

But my mind seems to return to my earlier days 
when the young men would frequently go on foot eight or 
ten miles to see his best girl, and his broadcloth suit 
would consist of buckskin pants and moccasins. Then we 
knew nothing of buggies. I have known people to go 
twenty-four miles to church with an ox team, generally 
going on Saturday, remaining over Sunday, and returning 
on Monday. Church service was at my father's house. 
My mother would sometimes be engaged the whole week 
caring for the entertainment of the neighbors, and a very 
enjoyable occasion we would have. We had plenty of 
venison, turkey, fish and honey. We could hardly cut a 
hollow tree without finding bees and honey. I shot deer 
when only ten years of age, and have caught many of 
them when I was young. I must mention of a bear hunt 
I was once engaged in. In company with two other men 
while hunting, we came across a family of bear cubs — the 
mother bear was absent a short distance. We each 
caught and took away a cub. One of the party held his 
little bear's mouth tight so he could not squall, but one of 
the men and I took the time to tie ours, and their crying 
called the mother bear, and presently she made her ap- 
pearance. We dropped the cubs and took up our rifles, 
but failed to kill the old bear. We finally succeeded in 
getting the cubs, but the old bear escaped into the woods. 

Now I contribute this sketch of our pioneer life, and 
submit it to the readers of our pioneer magazine as a plain 
story told in a plain way. My school days were only one 
term of three months, but I have a long schooling of 
experience. 



Obituaries. 157 



0^lTlLJ.A.FeiE:S. 



ANDREW ADAMS. 



On Monday December 5, 1899, Andrew Adams, a 
pioneer of Wood county, breathed his last at the home of 
his daughter, Mrs. Robert Barber, in East Toledo, at the 
advanced age of 88 years. 

Deceased was born in Massachusetts in 18 10 and 
came to Wood county in 1852, where he has since resid- 
ed. For many years he was a resident of Perrysburg, 
but of late had been making his home with his daughter, 
Mrs. Robert Barber, of East Toledo. 

He was a member of Phoenix Lodge F. & A. M. of 
this place, having been transferred from Tontogany lodge 
in 1875. He has also been a faithful and consistent 
member of the M. E. church for more than half a century. 

The funeral services were conducted under the aus- 
pices of the Masonic order at the M. E. church on 
Tuesday, Revs. D, H. Bailey and G. A. Adams of this 
place, and Jacob Baumgardner, of East Toledo, officiat- 
ing. 

The surviving members of his family are his daughter, 
Mrs. Barber, and son, John Quincy Adams, of Bowling 
Green, who have the sympathy of many friends. 



MRS. MARY A. BARTON. 



On Friday morning, October 7, 1898, the many friends 
of Mrs. Mary A. Barton, mother of Wm. Barton, of this 



158 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

place, was grieved to learn she had passed away to her 
final rest. 

She had been slightly ill for a few days prior to her 
death but the night previous to her demise she was 
unusually well when she retired. 

When morning arrived her son went to her room to 
call her and discovered that the spirit had taken flight 
during the night. 

Mrs. Barton was born in Prickwillow, near Ely, Cam- 
bridge Shire, England, in 1816, and was 82 years old at 
the time of her death. 

With her husband, she came to America in 1848, 
and resided in Medina county, Ohio, five years. In 1853 
they came to Wood county, where she has continued to 
live up to the time of her death, making her home for 
several years past with her son Wm. Barton, her husband 
having preceded her to the other world about 25 years 
ago. Of a family of six children only two still live — Wm. 
Barton and Catherine Carpenter. 

The funeral services were conducted by Rev. D. H. 
Bailey at the M. E. church on Sunday last, and was at- 
tended by a large number of friends. Mrs, Barton was 
highly esteemed by all who knew her and her death is 
deeply regretted. 



MRS. NANCY BENSCHOTER. 



Mrs. Nancy Benschoter, one of the highly respected 
pioneer residents of Grand Rapids township, died at the 
home of her daughter, Mrs. J. J. Black, near Tontogany, 
of heart trouble. Deceased was 78 years of age, and was 
married to Samuel W. Benschoter in 1838. Ten children 
were born to this couple, seven of whom are living, as 



Obituaries, 159 



follows: William A., of Bowling Green; Jeremiah S., of 
Grand Rapids; Ella, wife ot J. J. Black, near Tontogany; 
Charles W., of Grand Rapids; J. W. and Curtis E. Ben- 
schoter, of Bowling Green ; and Lucy M. Benschoter, 
living at Tontogany. 

Mrs. Benschoter was a consistent member of the 
Methodist church and was a highly respected lady. Her 
husband preceded her to the grave 15 years since. 

The funeral of Mrs. Benschoter will be held Tuesday 
at 10 a. m., at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Black, and 
the remains will be buried at the Beaver Creek cemetery. 
— Bowling Green Sentinel. 



ELE/V\ BRESSLER AND MRS. MARY A. 
GALLAGHER. 



The Grand Rapids Bulletin of last week chronicled 
the death of two of the aged and respected residents of 
that village: Elem Bressler, who died April 23, at the 
age of 60 years, and is survived by a wife and four child- 
ren ; and Mrs. Mary A. Gallagher, who died April 20, at 
the age of 77 years, and who is survived by an only son, 
J. F. Gallagher, a merchant of that village. 

The funeral of the latter was held at the M. E. church 
Saturday, and of the former, at the same place, Monday. 



EDWIN CARTER. 



Edwin Carter, an aged pioneer of this vicinity, died 
at his home about five miles south of town on Wednes- 



160 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

day at one o'clock p. m., aged 89 years and one month. 

He was born in East Kent county, England, July 10, 
1809, and emigrated to the United States in 1852, coming 
direct to Wood county, where he lived until the time of 
his death. In 1834 he was united in marriage with Mary 
Seath and of this union nine children were born, six of 
whom are still living, three children and his wife having 
preceded him to the other world. 

The funeral services were conducted at his late resi- 
dence, on Friday at 10 a. m, Rev. G. A. Adams officiating, 
and the remains were laid to rest in Fort Meigs cemetery. 



GILES COMSTOCK. 



Giles Comstock quietly passed away at the home of 
his daughter, Mrs. J. J. Ritchie, in Sylvania July 9, 1898. 
Although his demise had been long expected, it created a 
sadness over a very large community. The funeral 
addresses were delivered by Rev. J. C. Sinclair, of the 
M. E church, assisted by Rev. Mr. Cutler, of the Con- 
gregational church, and Rev. Mr, Torence, resident pastor 
of the Presbyterian church. 

Mr. Comstock was born August 5, 181 7, at Coopers- 
town, N. Y., and was the youngest of sixteen children. 
His ancestors, who came to America at an early day, 
were prominent, both in the Revolutionary and the war of 
18 1 2. He came to Toledo 65 years ago, when it was 
only a frontier Indian station, with one frame building, 
where now is situated a city of more than 150,000 people. 
He was first employed in the construction of the first 
railroad entering the city, which was then known as the 
Toledo & Adrian accommodation, and, in the place of 
steam power, the cars were hauled by horse power. On 



Obituaries. 161 



the 3d day of July, 1843, he was married to Electa E. 
Vrooman, daughter of Jacob Vrooman and sister of J. A. 
Vrooman and Judge H. P. Vrooman, of Chicago. 

Mrs. Electa Comstock died July 13, 1891, having 
lived happily with her husband for nearly fifty years. To 
this union were born three sons and four daughters, all of 
whom are living. They are : Mrs. T. G. Chandler, C. 
N. Comstock, O. S. Comstock, Mrs. J. J. Ritchie, Mrs. 
A. O. Holloway and Mrs. Dr. Cosgrove, all of whom 
reside in Sylvania, and Dr. O. G. Comstock, of this city. 

Father Comstock, with his young bride, began a 
truly pioneer life in Whiteford, Monroe county, Michigan, 
upon land purchased directly from the government and 
which is the present homestead, having remained in his 
possession more than 60 years. Few have toiled more 
strenuously to found a home in the forest and transform 
the wilderness into a paradise than Father and Mother 
Comstock. Of toil there was plenty ; hardships were 
many, and luxuries were few. In a log cabin, with punch- 
eon floor, with no windows, a bed quilt serving the 
purpose of a door, and surrounded by an unbroken forest, 
three miles from the nearest postoffice, this devoted 
couple began life's battle. 

On the 4th day of May, 1^44, their home was glad- 
dened by the coming oi their first-born daughter, whose 
early playmates were the boys and girls of the red man of 
the forest. 

Father and Mother Comstock, early in their married 
life, united with the Methodist Episcopal church, of Syl- 
vania, which, fifty years ago, they had helped to establish, 
and up to the time of their death they were active mem- 
bers, and from which membership God has called them to 
the church triumphant. — Toledo Blade. 



162 The Moumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



THOMAS F. DALE. 



Thomas F. Dale, a pioneer ot Lucas county, died 
this morning at two o'clock at his home on Thirteenth 
street, Toledo. Mr. Dale was 72 years old. He was 
well known in the city and throughout the county. Dur- 
ing the last eight years, he has been an attache of the 
probate court, and, in the capacity of bailiff tor Judge 
Millard, he gained an extended acquaintance in this city. 
He was popular with attorneys and others who had busi- 
ness in the probate court, and those who came in contact 
with him in his daily life, respected and loved him. His 
acquaintances always turned out to be his staunchest 
friends. 

Thomas F. Dale was born January 18, 1826, at New- 
ton Flotman, Norfolk, England. He came, to America in 
1852, and located in Maumee. He took charge of the 
Reynolds mills there, and, for 28 years, successfully man- 
aged them. He served the village of Maumee as mayor 
for several years, and during his incumbency, he made a 
name for himself for meting out justice in a humane man- 
ner. He was particularly indulgent to young offenders, 
and, when brought before him, he would exercise clem- 
ency. Even in probate court, when incorrigible youths 
were taken before Judge Millard for examination, Bailiff 
Dale was solicitous for their welfare, and he often express- 
ed himself as believing that criminal tendencies could be 
corrected without physical restraint and incarceration in 
reform schools. 

In 1 89 1 Judge Millard created the position of bailiff 
in the probate court, and Mr. Dale was appointed to that 
post, which he occupied up to the time of his death. 

On March 12, 1868, he was married to Blance Birt, 
a native of Norfolk, England, who survives him. One 



Obituaries. 163 



son, Thomas Dale, by his first wife, a resident of this city, 
also survives him. 

Mr. Dale was a member of Northern Light Lodge, 
Masons, and was aflfiliated with the society for 37 years. 

The funeral of Mr. Dale will be held from Trinity 
church Sunday afternoon. — Toledo Blade. 



SAMUEL EMERY. 



Mr. Samuel Emery, one of the pioneers of Maumee, 
passed away at his late home in Maumee, Tuesday morn- 
ing, April 20th, 1898, after a painful illness of six weeks. 

Samuel Emery was born in Harpersfield, O., January 
2, 1826. He was married to Miss Henrietta Reese, in 
Maumee, June 4, 1848, and had he survived they would 
have celebrated their golden wedding this coming June. 

Mr. Emery served in the late war, and was a member 
of Mitchell Post of this place. He has been a prominent 
K. of P. in Toledo the past twenty years, having served as 
past chancellor of Pythian lodge, and was deputy grand 
chancellor under five successive grand chancellors. He 
was a member of the first building board ; also of the J. 
R. O. A. M. No. 290, and was a member of the Golden 
Rule. He instituted Lucas lodge, No. 148, in Toledo. 

Mr. Emery was a consistent Christian. For many 
years he was a member of the M. E. church at this place, 
serving faithfully in the Sunday-school and choir. Hon- 
orable in all his dealings, he had the confidence and res- 
pect of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He 
leaves a widow and eight children : Mrs. Church Bassett, 
of Moberly, Mo. ; Mr. James Emery, Dr. C. S. Emery, 
Mr. E. T. Emery, and Mrs. Louis Fisher, of Toledo ; Mr. 
George Emery, of Newark, O. ; Mr. H. R. Emery, of 
LaFayette, Ind., and Mrs. Preston L. Stevenson, of 
Findlay. 



164 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

ROBERT ESCOTT. 



Robert Escott was born in Bampton, Dovenshire, 
England, February 25, 1829. Came to America in 1854 
and located for a short time near Maumee. A few months 
later he removed to Perrysburg where he has constantly 
resided, living 41 years in the house in which he departed 
this life. His life has been a quiet uneventful one. He 
was a faithtul member ot the I. O. O. F. Lodge at Mau- 
mee for a number of years being one of the charter 
members of Fort Meigs Lodge of Perrysburg, audits first 
presiding officer. He leaves an only sister, Mrs. Mary 
Milton, of Miami, a wife and five children to mourn their 
loss. The funeral services will be conducted on Friday, 
December 16, at 1:30 p. m., under the auspices of Fort 
Meigs lodge L O. O. F. His death is regretted by a 
large circle of friends. 



VALENTINE FINK. 



Valentine Fink was born August 22, 1822, at Wat- 
tenheim, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and came to 
America in 1844. He was a sailor until the Mexican war 
when he enlisted as a private in company E, ist Regiment 
of Michigan Volunteers, serving during the war and was 
at the surrender of the City of Mexico under General 
Winfield Scott. After the close of the Mexican war he 
returned to Perrysburg, Ohio, where he remained until 
the year 1852, when he returned to his native home in 
Germany to settle up his parents' estate. 

After his return to Perrysburg he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Hannah Shoemaker, April 3d, 1853, and 



obituaries. 165 



was engaged in business here until he retired to his farm 
now located near Lime City. 

Death occured on December 7, 1898, and was the 
result of paralysis. He leaves a wife and an adopted 
daughter to mourn their loss. 

Mr. Fink was one oi the best known citizens of Per- 
rysburg township, and his death is regretted by a legion 
of friends and neighbors. The funeral services were 
conducted at St Rose of Lima church by Rev. Father 
Rieken of Perrysbiirg, Griss of Fostoria, and Mertes of 
Maumee, and was attended by a large number of sympa- 
thizing friends and neighbors. The remains were placed 
at rest in the Catholic cemetery. 



ABRAHAM HARTMAIN. 



Abraham Hartman, who was known to nearly all the 
old lake seamen, passed away June 12, 1899, at the home 
of his son, George D. Hartman, No. 2461 Vermont ave- 
nue, death being due to old age. 

The deceased was born in Columbiana county, Penn- 
sylvania, October 19, 1822, and was therefore yy years of 
age. He came to Toledo with his father's family in 1833, 
and for a number of years they resided in a log cabin on 
the East Side, right in the midst of a tribe of Indians. 
During several years of his young manhood, he ran a 
ferry boat across the Maumee river at this point. This 
was long before the Cherry street bridge was built. He 
sailed on the first steamer that plied between Toledo and 
Cleveland, which was several years before any raih'oad 
touched this city. He also sailed on the old General 
Harrison, and, for a number of years, acted as pilot on 
the Chief Justice Waite In many respects, Mr. Hartman 



166 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

was one of the most interesting and one of the best known 
of Toledo's pioneer citizens. 

Mr. Hartman was twice married. By his first mar- 
riage there survives him one daughter, Mrs. Jerome H. 
Russell, of this city. By his second marriage, there sur- 
vives him two sons, George D. Hartman, district agent of 
the American Express company, and Frank Hartman, 
who is connected with R. H. Lane & Co. 

Mr. Hartman's second wife died in 1875. During 
the past eight years he has resided with his son George, 
from whose residence the funeral took place at 2 o'clock 
Wednesday afternoon. The services were conducted by 
Rev. W. E. Loucks, pastor of the First Baptist Church. 



THOMAS HAYES. 



At his home at Fort Meigs, on Monday, September 
12, 1898, Thomas Hayes, one of Perrysburg's oldest and 
most highly respected citizens, passed to the great beyond, 
at the age of 71 years and 12 days, after an illness of four 
days. He was the last of the three brothers, Michael, 
Timothy and Thomas, who have lived here during the 
past 35 years and had become favorably known through- 
out this entire section. 

Thomas Hayes was born in the parish of Lisronnon, 
county of Tipperary, Ireland, August 30, 1827. He with 
his mother, four sisters and his brother Timothy, left 
Ireland for America, May 16, 1848. They landed here 
at Perrysburg, August 3d of the same year. He was 
united in marriage with Mary A. Daily, at Maumee City, 
November 16, 1857. One son was born of this union, 
James C, of Dowling, who survives him. Mrs. Hayes 



Obituaries. 167 



died in March, 1859. The following May Mr. Hayes 
accompanied by his brother Timothy, went to California 
and engaged in mining in that country for five years. 

In May, 1864, he again returned to Ohio, and with 
his brother Timothy purchased the Fort Meigs farm, 
where he resided at the time of his death. On the 28th 
of September, 1868, he was united in marriage with Ellen 
Rielly, of Toledo. Seven children were born to them — 
Thomas, Timothy, Michael, John, Maggie and Mary — 
with the mother, are still living, Ellen having died October 
16, 1897. 

The funeral services were conducted at St. Rose of 
Lima Catholic church, of which congregation Mr. Hayes 
was a faithful and consistent member, Rev. G. H. Rieken 
officiating. The remains were placed at rest in the Cath- 
olic cemetery on Thursday. The family of the deceased 
have the sympathy of the community in their great 
bereavement. — Journal. 



HENRY HEARN. 



On Friday, October 14, 1898, Henry Hearn died at 
his Perrysburg home, at the age of 82 years, two months 
and four days. He was born in the parish of Adisham, 
East Kent, England, and came to America June i, 1858, 
at first locating in Maumee, and later removing to Perrys- 
burg, where he has since resided. 

He was a devout member of the Methodist church, 
and his many excellent qualities won him many friends. 
He was married in England, March i, 1850. 

His funeral services were conducted on Sunday by 
Rev. D. H. Bailey, and the remains were buried in Fort 
Meigs cemetery. 



168 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

JOHN HOFFMANN. 



In the death of John Hoffmann, of Roachton, Wood 
county loses one of its oldest inhabitants. 

Mr. Hoffman was born 95 years ago, near Frankfort, 
Germany, and for the past 60 years has been a resident of 
Perrysburg township. His death occurred on Saturday 
last, and the funeral services were held at the Roachton 
Catholic church on Monday, and his remains buried in the 
Middleton cemetery. Three children survive him. 



JOSEPH G, KELLOGG. 



Joseph G. Kellogg passed quietly away at his home 
in Adams township Saturday, July 22, 1899, at 4:30 p. m. 
He has been an invalid for nearly two years, suffering 
from a chronic liver trouble, but the family had had no 
thouofht that he was so near his end until within a few 
days of his death. 

Mr. Kellogg was born at the Kellogg homestead in 
Adams township May 2, 1839. He married Sarah Nor- 
ton, of Maumee, January 26, 1864. His wife and two 
daughters, Mrs. Fred Haughton, and Miss Clara Kellogg, 
are left to mourn their loss. His mother, now 86 years 
old, and a brother, Isaac Kellogg, of Riga, Michigan, 
survive him. 

Mr. Kellogg was a highly respected citizen, and an 
honest, upright man. Deafness from infancy cut him off 
from many of the enjoyments of life ; he nevertheless 
made many friends. 

The funeral was held July 24, at 1.30 p. m. at the 
Dorr Street Union Church, Rev. W. A. Cutler preaching 
the sermon. 



Obituaries. 169 



THOMAS ALFRED KUNKLE. 



Thomas Alfred Kunkle, son of Henry and Hannah 
(Swanders) Kunkle, was born at Allentown, Pennsylvania, 
December i8, 1836, and died at his home in Grand 
Rapids, Ohio, April ist, 1899, in the 63d year of his age. 

Mr. T. A. Kunkle came to Ohio with his parents in 
his early youth, and the lamily settled at Baltimore, Fair- 
field county. Here he grew to manhood On September 
24, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, of the 55th regiment 
of Ohio Volunteers, and served to the end oi the war of 
the rebellion, being mustered cut at Camp Dennison, 
June 22, 1865. The regiment was heavily engaged at 
Chancellorsville, where Mr. Kunkle was wounded, and 
its next hardest fights were at Resaca and Kennesaw. 

Shortly after the war Mr. Kunkle was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Elizabeth Rickley, of Licking county, and 
removed to the farm in Lucas county, which is still a part 
of his estate. 

In April, 1893, Mr. Kunkle's health failing him, he 
purchased some dwelling property in Grand Rapids, and 
removed thither with his family. Here he was able for 
the most part to oversee his farm, and was for a large 
portion of the time engaged in clerical work for Mr. B, F. 
Kerr. Mr. Kunkle's health has failed sadly for the past 
year or two, and his death was not unexpected. 

He leaves a wife and three children, grown up, who 
have the profound sympathy of the community in their 
bereavement. 



RUDOLPH KINDERVATER. 



The funeral of Rudolph Kindervater was held on 



170 The Maumee Valley Pioyxeer Association 

Saturday from the Presbyterian church, and was largely 
attended. 

Mr Kindervater was born in Nordhaus, Province of 
Saxony, Germany, in 1843, ^^^^ came to this country in 
1852. He was married to Miss Caroline Burdo, Decem- 
ber 25, 1865, by whom nine children were born, six of 
whom are now living. Mrs. Kindervater died suddenly of 
heart disease four years ago this month. 

For the last three years he has been a great sufferer, 
and finally went to the hospital in Toledo and was oper- 
ated upon, but was not strong enough to get up the 
proper reaction, and died. 



CHRISTOPHER LIMMER. 



At the advanced age of 71 years, 9 month and 10 
days, Christopher Limmer breathed his last at his home, 
about three miles northeast of Perrysburg, on Monday, 
October 10. For the past year he had been a sufferer 
from cancer of the stomach, which was relieved only by 
death. 

Deceased was born in Germany, and came to this 
country a number of years ago, locating in Perrysburg 
township, where he was favorably known as an honor- 
able and worthy citizen, and has many friends who regret 
his death. A wife, three sons and two daughters survive 
him to cherish his memory. The funeral services were 
conducted at the German Lutheran church on Thursday 
morning at 10 o'clock and his remains interred in Fort 
Meigs cemetery. 



Obituaries. 171 



MRS. STEPHEN MERRY. 



Mrs. Araminta Matilda Earll was born December i6, 
1813, in Portage, New York, and died Tuesday March 
21, 1899. She was married to Stephen Merry October 
16, 1841. 

Mr. and Mrs. Merry removed from the state of New 
York to Ohio in 1842, and settled at Miami, Lucas county, 
from which place they subsequently removed to Perrys- 
burg, where they continued to reside until the death of 
Mr. Merry, when the widow continued her residence at 
the old home, cared for lovingly and truly by Miss Lida 
Pheister until her last sickness, when she was aided by 
Mrs. Merry's daughter, Sarah Norton, of Lansing, Michi- 
gan, and her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Earl Merry, of Bowl- 
ing Green, and son Frank, of Dunkirk, Indiana. 

In 1849 Mrs. Merry united by letter from the church 
at Maumee with the First Presbyterian church of Perrys- 
burg, a connection which remained unbroken and honored 
by her Christian life to the last. At her home her pastor 
attended the first prayer meeting that he attended on 
coming to Perrysburg, in 1856. How many others she 
and her husband, who was an elder in the church, attend- 
ed during the 49 years of her connection with the church, 
it would be difficult now to tell, since the attendance was 
regular every week until the infirmities of years caused a 
cessation of outgoing in the evenings. 

Her home was one of love. Her children had reason 
to call her "blessed." And now, having had the blessing 
of a long life among friends and children whom she loved 
and who loved her, she goes to her grave " like a shock 
of corn Cometh in its season." "Blessed are the dead 
who die in the Lord. They do rest from their labors, and 
their works do follow them." — Sentinel. 



172 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association, 

ELIAS C. MOORE 



The funeral services of Elias C. Moore were held 
at the tamily residence at Maumee on Monday afternoon. 
The Rev. Howard A. N. Richards, a son of the Rev. 
Charles Richards, a former pastor of the Presbyterian 
church, conducted the services. 

Mr. Moore was born at Westbrook, Conn., May 31, 
1822, and received his early education at that place. He 
came to Maumee in the autumn of 1844, and as there 
were no railroads around the lakes at that early date he 
crossed Lake Erie from Buffalo on the old steamer 
"General Wayne," which touched at Monroe, Michigan, 
and Toledo, both then small towns. 

For three years Mr. Moore was employed as clerk in 
the general store of Spencer & Moore, at the close of 
which time he embarked in business for himself with a 
general stock of merchandise. Maumee being still an 
Indian trading post. 

He continued in the 'mercantile business until 1872, 
and in 1873 was appointed postmaster, which position he 
held for twelve years. He was also agent for the United 
States and Pacific Express companies for nearly thirty 
years. In politics, Mr. Moore was a Whig and later a 
Republican, but always declined to be a candidate for 
office under these parties, though many times solicited to 
run, and several years' membership in the board of edu- 
cation was his only occasion of public service. 

Mr. Moore united with the Presbyterian church at 
Maumee in 1845, ^^^^ ^"^ his relation with the church there 
became manifest one of his traits of character, that of 
never shirking from any obligation of Christian duty, as 
he filled at various times the offices of superintendent of 
the Sunday-school, elder, trustee and treasurer, and in 
these offices served the church during the greater portion 



Obituaries. 173 



of his membership. He was elected treasurer of the 
Maumee City Bible Society in 1851, and held the office 
until his death, a continuous service of 48 years. 

Mr. Moore was married in 1848 to Margaret Emery, 
of Swanton, Ohio, who died the following year. In 1853, 
at Torringford, Conn., he married Jane Ann North, who 
survives him. These marriages were blessed with three 
sons, two of whom are still living, James H. Moore and 
Julian C, Moore, both residing in Chicago. 

Mr. Moore was a brother of John A. Moore, of this 
city, Rev. Wm, H. Moore, of Hartford, Conn.; George 
C. Moore, Westbrook, Conn., and Charles A. Moore, of 
New York city. 

In the death of Mr. Moore, the community in which 
he lived sustained a loss which is felt by all with whom he 
came in contact ; his Christian integrity and sterling 
virtues are admitted by all, and the universal eulogy on 
his life is : "He was a good man." — Toledo Blade. 



GEORGE W. INEWTON. 



George W. Newton, a pioneer of the Maumee valley 
passed to the great beyond on Monday, November 7th, 
1898, at 6:03 p. M. 

Deceased was born near Albany, in the State of New 
York, January 18, 1818, and was aged 80 years, nine 
months and 19 days at the time of his death. He came 
to Ohio in 1840, and has resided in Perrysburg since that 
time. He leaves a wife and seven children. 

Deceased was a member of Phoenix Lodge No. 123, 
F. & A. M., and at the time of his death was the oldest 
in membership, having been a Mason in 18 — . 

His funeral services were conducted at the family 



174 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

residence on Wednesday at 2 p. m., by the Masonic fra- 
ternity and Rev. G. A. Adams, and his remains placed at 
rest at Fort Meigs cemetery. 



MRS. ELIZA A. PARMALEE. 



Mrs. EHza A. Parmalee died at her home, No. 2144 
Fulton street, at noon to-day. She was the widow of the 
late Major Solomon Parmalee, and had resided in Toledo 
for about thirty years. 

She had been ill since last July, and while her suffer- 
ings were very great, she bore up with much fortitude. 
She was well known in Toledo circles, and will be greatly 
missed by her family and friends. She was a native of 
New York, and was 82 years of age. 

Deceased was the mother of Mrs. M. P. Hubbell and 
the grandmother of Ed. P. Hubbell, W. S. Hubbell, Mrs. 
Howard R. T. Radcliffe and Mrs. Walter Gifford. 



CAPT. W. P. SCOTT. 



Captain William P. Scott, of the police department, 
died at his home. No. 934 Broadway, at 8:40 o'clock 
April 2ist, 1898, after an illness of one short week. 
Pneumonia was the cause. He caught a heavy cold a 
week ago last Tuesday, when he acted as pall bearer at 
the funeral of his old army comrade — Captain Ferguson. 
He took to his room a week ago, and never again left it. 
He became very ill day before yesterday, and yesterday 
morning his condition was considered critical. 

The news of his death proved a great shock to his 



Obituaries. 175 



close friends in the police department, as well as to hun- 
dreds of others elsewhere in the city. The last words 
spoken by the veteran were addressed to Police Secretary 
Charles Durian, who called on him at three o'clock yes- 
terday afternoon. The sick man drew his hand wearily 
across his eyes, and said feebly, 'Hello, Snorky." After 
that, he seemed to take but little notice of other callers. 

Deceased was a member of the Union Veterans' 
Union, Forsyth Post, G. A. R., and Rubicon Lodge F. 
and A. M. They have joint charge of the funeral ar- 
rangements. The police department turned out in a body. 
The interment took place at Woodlawn. 

In years of service, Capt. W. P. Scott was the oldest 
officer on the police force. He served the city 30 years 
as patrolman, roundsman, sergeant, detective and chief of 
police. For the last few years he has acted as day ser- 
geant. He was the first man selected on the old Metro- 
politan police force, when it was organized in April, 1867. 
Twice during his long service Capt. Scott was honored by 
being placed at the head of the department. 

As a subordinate and official, his record has been 
spotless. He was honest as the sun, and his integrity 
was never questioned. He was the soul of honor. Per- 
sonally, he was brave as a lion, and knew no such word as 
cowardice. Beneath a rugged exterior a warm heart 
throbbed for suffering mankind. He was a physical 
giant, and his very presence was a terror to evil-doers. 

He was born on the banks of the Maumee 60 years 
ago. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade. He 
formed a company and received a captain's commission. 
His company was known as the Twenty-filth Ohio Volun- 
teers, and was attached to Col. Nat. Haughton's regiment. 
He served all through the war, and was a gallant soldier. 
During the latter part of the war he was granted a fur- 
lough to come home and recruit up his company, whose 
ranks had been depleted. 



176 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

While on this furlough, he married his wife, who sur- 
vives him. He was married at six o'clock in the evening, 
and went away with his recruits an hour later. He did 
not see his young bride again for two years. After the 
war he built the present family home on Broadway, doing 
all the work himself. It was a labor of love. 

There himself and wife have resided happily for over 
thirty years. One daughter, Mrs. Alexander M. Young, 
is left to comfort the widowed mother. The father of the 
deceased passed away a few months ago, at a ripe old 
age. All the brothers and sisters are dead. Patrolman 
Frank Scott and Al. Scott are surviving nephews. — Blade. 



JOHN SWARTZ. 



John Swartz, a well known pioneer farmer of Troy 
township, died at his home two miles south of Stony 
Ridge, Wednesday, March i, 1899, at the age of 73 
years. He leaves a wife, five sons and one daughter to 
mourn his death. The children are : Fred, Charles, 
George, Frank and William and Katie. 

The funeral was held at the Lutheran church in 
Luckey, Saturday, March 4, conducted by Rev. Lembke, 
of Luckey, and Rev. John Born, of Stony Ridge. The 
remains were interred in the Troy township cemetery. 

The deceased was born in Germany, February 26, 
1826. When he was three years of age the family emi- 
grated to America, settled in Medina county, this state, 
where Mr. Swartz grew to manhood. In 1851 he came 
to Wood county and settled on a farm which he improved 
and on which he spent the remainder of his days. 

In 1854 Mr. Swartz was married to Dorotha Karcher, 



Obituaries. 177 



of Ann Arbor, Michigan, who survives him. Mr. Swartz 
was an upright citizen, a good neighbor, a kind father and 
a loving husband. He will be missed by a very large 
circle of iriends and neighbors. 



MRS. MARY J. WEBB. 



Mrs. Mary Jones, relict of John Webb, was born in 
Windham, Green county, N. Y., near the head waters of 
the Delaware, in the Catskill mountains, August 27, 1826 
and died March 7, 1899, aged 72 years, seven months, 
and eleven days. 

Her early years were spent in teaching near the place 
of her birth, from which she migrated at the solicitation of 
Prof. Wright, then teaching in the Perrysburg school, one 
of the few schools of the state organized under the Akron 
law, in which she taught two years. As a teacher she 
was eminently successful. 

In 1 85 1 she was married to John Webb, then, and 
for a long time after, the county clerk ot Wood county. 
By him she had three children who are yet living — Dr. 
Lewis Webb, of Bourbon, Indiana, Mrs. Chancy P. Tay- 
lor, of Conway Springs, Kansas, and Miss Ella with whom 
she has lived during the last years ot her life. 

Her religious life had once been with the Methodist 
Episcopal church of this place, but for over forty years 
she formed one of the congregation of the First Presby- 
terian church with which her daughters were connected. 
Death has rent the "veil" which separated the outer from 
the inner sanctuary, into which she has been shown the 
way, by Him, "who tasted death for every man." 

The funeral services were conducted at the residence 
of Corwin Webb, in Perrysburg, by Rev. G. A. Adams, 
on Sunday, March 12, at 2 p. m. 



178 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

iVlRS. SYBIL H. WHITNEY. 



The countless friends of Mrs. Sybil H. Whitney, or 
•' Mother " Whitney, as she was more familiarly called, 
will be saddened to hear of her death, which occurred on 
Sunday afternoon, February 5th, 1899, at four o'clock. 
She had been ailing for a week or more, but was thought 
to be much better Friday, when she sat at the dinner 
table with the family, and seemed to be as well as usual, 
but that afternoon and evening she was taken suddenly 
worse with pneumonia, and was unconscious after mid- 
night Friday. 

Truly, a " Mother in Israel " has fallen asleep. She 
lived an exemplary Christian life from her girlhood, and 
was beloved by everybody because she luved everybody. 
Her great heart took in all the world, especially those 
who were needing sympathy and help. She was of a very 
happy and sunny disposition, with a cheery word for 
everyone, and with a deep solicitude for the welfare of 
others and of the church which she so dearly loved. 

Mother Whitney was 85 years old at her last birth- 
day in January, 1899, ^^^ Y^t she was in possession to a 
wonderful degree of all her faculties. She had been a 
great reader, had completed the Chautauque Reading 
Course, and was deeply interested in all the up-to-date 
literature. Her Bible, however, was her choice compan- 
ion, and she not only knew its contents, but lived its 
teachings W^ords cannot tell how she will be missed, 
especially in her own family, in her church circles and 
among her many friends. 

Mrs. Whitney was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, 
January 11, 1814, and hence was over 85 years old. She 
was converted when only eleven years old, but was 
thought to be "too young" to unite with the church. 
Meanwhile, in 1827, her father, Mr. Joel Green, Sr., re- 
moved to Marion, N. Y., where she, then thirteen years 



Obituaries. 179 



old, united with the Congregational church. In 1834 her 
parents, then with a family of eight children, removed to 
Sylvania, Ohio. Two of the sons were physicians, and 
practiced here for some time. She taught school in West 
Toledo until 1835, when she was married to Mr. Thomas 
P. Whitney, whose sister, Mrs. S. L, Collins, is still liv- 
ing. Mr. and Mrs. Whitney lived for nearly 40 years on 
Detroit avenue, removing in 1874 to the corner of Monroe 
street and Whitney avenue, where, very soon after, Mr. 
Whitney died. The family consisted of six children, 
three only of whom are still living — Marion Lazurance, in 
Toledo Blade. 



MRS. THOMAS YOUINT. 



Mrs. Thomas Yount, of Haskins, died very suddenly 
Saturday forenoon from a stroke of paralysis. She arose 
in her usual health in the morning and soon after was 
stricken with paralysis. She lingered about three hours 
when death relieved her. 

The deceased was the mother of three children, all of 
whom are living. They are, Willard, residing near Sugar 
Ridge; Mrs. J. F. Weisinger, of Mungen, and Mrs. Fran- 
cher, residing near Haskins. She was 66 years of age 
and was highly respected as a neighbor and Christian 
lady. The funeral was held Tuesday and the remains 
were interred at Union Hill cemetery. 

Mary Ann Peaney was born on the 23d day of Sep- 
tember, 1833, in Morristown, N. J. She came to Ohio 
with her parents in childhood and spent the greater 
portion of her life in and near Haskins. She was joined 
in marriage with Thomas Yount on the 17th day of 
November, 1853, which union was blessed with three 



i80 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

children, one son and two daughters. She united with 
the Presbyterian church of Haskins on the 17th day of 
December, 1895, Deceased was a beloved wife, an 
affectionate mother, a kind neighbor and a faithful and 
conscientious Christian. She merited the good wishes of 
all with whom she came in contact, and though gone from 
us, she will yet be remembered by the good deeds she 
has done. In the home, in the church and in the com- 
munity she will be greatly missed. She was faithful until 
the last and only fell asleep to this world, in order that 
she might have a pleasant awakening in the next. On 
the morning of March 4th, 1899, she was not, for her Lord 
came and took her. She attained the age of 65 years, 
5 months, and 1 1 days. 



PETER ZEIGLER. 



Peter Zeigler, of Bloom township, aged 92, one of the 
oldest persons in the township, died at his home last Fri- 
day. He was a farmer, and a resident of the county for 
nearly 20 years. 



SHADRACH 6R0FF. 



Shadrach Groff, pioneer hotel man of Toledo, died at 
his home, 2040 Collingwood, this morning, July 18, 1899, 
at the ripe age of 81 years. 

He was the father of Mrs. Charles Reynolds, and was 
prominently identified with the early history of the city. 

Shadrach Groff was born at East Creek, Herkimer 



Obituaries. 181 



county, New York, in April, 1818. He was a pioneer of 
Toledo, and his history is a review of the early days of 
this city. His wife survives him, and their daughter, Mrs. 
Charles Reynolds, was the only child. His illness dates 
from last October, but old age may be given as the direct 
cause of death. 

Mr. Groff is best known in the history of Toledo as a 
hotel man. He was proprietor of the old Collins House, 
which was located where now is the wholesale grocery of 
Berdan & Co. Later he was proprietor of the McKen- 
ster House, which was the popular house in the city at 
the outbreak of the civil war. 

In 1869, the demand for better hotel facilities in the 
city, led to the organization of the Toledo Hotel Company. 
This was formed in January, 1870, with the following di- 
rectors: H. S. Walbridge, S. M. Young, C. H. Coy, R. 
H. Bell, W. W. Griffith, T. H. Hoag and F. J. King. 
Action was taken at once, and resulted in the building of 
the Boody House, which was completed in 1872. 

The building was leased to Groff & Shears, but Mr. 
Groff succeeded to the business in 1873. From that date 
until 1887, Mr. Groff was lessee and landlord of the place, 
which established a reputation of being one of the best 
hostelries in the west. In 1887 Mr. Groff retired, and 
Ferdinand Welsh, the present landlord, succeeded him. — 
Toledo Blade. 



JOSEPH A. HUTCHINSON. 



Joseph A. Hutchinson, one of the oldest residents in 
the county, died at his home in Waterville, November 12, 
1897, ^fter a very brief illness. Mr. Hutchinson was in 



182 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

the 62d year of his age and passed away at the home- 
stead where he was born. 

He was well known throughout the county and held 
in high esteem by all who knew him. His mother, Eliza- 
beth Hutchinson, settled in this county in 1810. Mr. 
Hutchinson leaves a wife and three children to mourn his 
death. He was a member of the G. A. R., having been 
a member of Co. I, Fourteenth regiment, O. V. I, in the 
late civil war. He was also a member of Wakeman 
Lodge, F. & A. M., at Waterville. The lodge assisted 
at the funeral services, which took place at his late home, 
Sunday at i p. m. — Toledo Commercial. 



Death Notices 183 



DEJ^s^TI-l ISrOT"IOE:S. 



MRS. SUSAN CLARK — October i8, 1896, at four o'clock 
at her residence on Grand street, North Toledo, aged 
83 years, 4 months and 14 days. She lived in Toledo 
34 years; was born in Albany, N. Y., June 4, 1812. 



MRS. ADALINE DWIQHT CONE — At 1. 30 p. m., Sunday, 
September 5, 1897, ^^ Toledo, aged "jt, years. Lived 
in Toledo 42 years. 



LEWIS EASTWOOD — At Waterville, December 25, 1898, 
aged 89 years and 1 1 months. 



MRS. A. H. GEER — At her home in Miami, February 17, 
1897, aged 8[ years, 10 months and 18 days. Lived 
in Maumee Valley 61 years. 



SARAH ANN HALL — At Waterville, September 23, 1898, 
aged 81 years, 11 months and 2 days. 



SAHUEL S. HOOPER — At his home, 2135 Hewey street, 
Toledo, aged 79 years; had lived in Toledo 44 years. 
His father served with Washington at Valley Forge. 
One of his ancestors was a signer of the Declaration 
ot Independence. 



HARY P. SOUTHARD HALLARAN— At her home, 1203 
Madison street, Toledo, May 17, 1897, aged 52 years. 
She was a resident of Toledo 52 years. 



HARRISON L. HOLLOWAY — At the residence of his daugh- 
ter, 1033 Huron street. May 8, 1897, aged 64 years 
and 6 months. 



184 The Maumee Valley Pioneer A'isociation. 

JOSEPH EnnONS HALL — At his home at Waterville, May 
II, 1899. Came to this valley in 1836. Was treas- 
urer of this society at the time of his death. 



WILLIAM LARKINS — At his home in Adams township, 
Lucas county, in 1897, a^ed 94 years. Lived in the 
valley 55 years. 



NICHOLAS NEUHAUSEL— At his home in Toledo, August 
3, 1899, in the; 90th year ot his age. Had lived in 
Toledo 42 years. 



MRS. HARRIET F. ROBBINS — Wife of Rinaldo Robbins, at 
her home in Maumee, Friday, July 30, 1897. 



DAVID 5. WILDER — At his home in Toledo, Ohio, Nov- 
ember 13, 1898. Lived in Toledo 42 years. 



ADALINE HAUQHTON riALLETT — Wife of Giles Mallett, 
aged 62 years and 9 months. 



E. N. sniTH — At his home in West Toledo, January 4, 
1899, aged 83 years, 6 months and 19 days. 



MRS. SYBIL HASTINGS WHITNEY — At her late residence, 
No. 2217 Whitney avenue, Sunday, February 5, 
1899, ^t 4 o'clock p. m. 



HARRISON WOOD — At his late residence at Holland, Ohio, 
Monday, February 6, 1899, aged 67 years. Lieuten- 
ant Wood was a member of Co. A, 14th O. V. L 



List of Members. 



185 



LIST OF PAID MEMBERS. 



BiBsell, C. A. 
Bisber, Henry 
Doering, P. P. 
Fleck, W. F. 
Furguson, H. B. 
Graves, F. A. 
Harris, Henry 
Hughs, D. S. 
Harris, Jane E. 
McCann, A. C. 
Oswalt, Jacob 



ANTWERP, PAULDING COUNTY. 
Pocock, D. A. 
Pocock, Clara 
Pocock, J. L. 
Pocock, B. B. 
Snooks, W. N. 
Saylor, Jacob 
Stukey, N. W. 
Woodcox, C. B. 
Zuber, John B. 
Zuber, J. H. 



Black, Luther 
LaFarree, Jas. H 
Phillipps, Aaron 
Ealston, Jas. B. 

Colby, Dr. L. 
Lattimore, Jas. F 

Conley, Michael 
Grramling, Adam 
Hardy, James W. 
Love, W. K. 



BOWLING GREEN, WOOD COUNTY. 
Simonds, Alice 
Thurston, Mrs. M. L. 
Thurston, Mrs. W. C. 
YanTassel, I. N. 

CECIL, PAULDING COUNTY. 

Lattimore, Mrs. Jas. F. 
Simpson, A. N. 

COLTON, HENRY COUNTY. 

Parrott, William 
McGrarvey, John 
Waggoner, John B. 
Waggoner, Simon N. 

DEFIANCE, DEFIANCE COUNTY. 



Brown, Mrs. W. A. 
Greenler, J. S. 
Gurwell, Martin 
Gurwell, Jacob 
Hardy, Henry 
Jervis, Mary B. 
Kintner, George 
Marcellus, D. W. D. 
Malley, J. J. 
Miller, John 
Mix, E. B. 



Meyers, L. B. 
Perkey, Martin 
Stubbs, Wm. M. 
Scott, Helen Brown 
Saylor, Jacob 
Smith, Wm. M. 
Thornton, M. E. Stevens 
Wilhelm, Adam 
Woodcox, B. B. 
Wood, Alonzo H. 



186 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association 



Carter, S. S. 
Carr, M. 
Holt, John 

Andrews, H. K. 
Bordner, Mrs. H. 
Bordner, Henry 
Brubaker, F. N. 
Brubaker, Emily B. 
Bowen, Jerry 



Culberson, Eli. 
Carr, O. C. 
Judson, A. C. 
Kerr, W. E. 

Bucklin, Osman 
Johnson, W. C. 



DELTA, FULTON COUNTY. 
Merrell, Osias 
Sargent, A, L. 

FLORIDA, HENRY COUNTY. 

• Eothenberger, G. F. 
Scofield, Catherine B. 
Sisler, Peter 
Loury, Samantha A, 
Weaver, H, S. 
Weaver, David 

GRAND RAPIDS, WOOD COUNTY. 
McLain, J. C, 
Eeynolds, James 
Sterling, Thomas 

GRELTON, HENRY COUNTY. 
Yeager, A. 



Bernthistle, H. P. 
Garrett, P. F. 

Gunn, D. A. 
Tucker, Albert C. 



HASKINS, WOOD COUNTY. 

Garrett, Mrs. Kate 

HOLLAND, LUCAS COUNTY. 

Holloway, Chas. B. 
Holloway, Mrs. Chas. B. 



HULL PRAIRIE, WOOD COUNTY. 
Gosp, Mr: and Mrs. Tunison, Mrs. John 

Eobertson, Ameleous 

LIBERTY CENTER, HENRY COUNTY. 



Crominger, George 
Gunn, Mrs. A. B. 
Leist, A. C. 
Lampbiei', John 
Pennock, Edward 



Eussell, M. H. 
West, John T. 
Williams, W. F. 
Young, C. C. 
Young, Mrs. C. C. 

MAUMEE, LUCAS COUNTY. 

Bales, William Hull, W. E. 

Brown, Mrs. Thomas F. Kiser, Laura B. 

Batcheldor, Mrs. Phoebe Mitchell, Mrs. E B. 

Blaker, Mrs. Amanda JSTearing, Mrs. Henry 

Drummond, C. M. Eodd, Mrs. T. 

Gunn, Mrs. W. B. Wolcott, Jas. M. 



List of Members. 



187 



Gunu, Capt. O. N. 
Guon, Mrs. O. N. 



Durbin, Thomas 



Coder, W. W. 
Kerr, John W. 
Learning, Hulda 



Bowers, George 
Bowers, James R. 
Bowers, W. R. 
Bowers, Mrs. A. C. 
Brooks, William 
Brown, Janies K. 
Cadwalader, Mrs. Mary 
Curtis, S. L. 
Davidson, J. S. 
Foot, Fred 
Furguson, Mary 
Gilson. David 
Gunn, Edwin 
Hudson, D. P. 
Hill, Matilda M. 
Hately, Daniel 
Hague, S, M. 
Hufning Julius 



Wilcox, John E. 
Wescott, John. 

McCLURE, HENRY COUNTY. 
Sheppard, D. S. 

MONCLOVA, LUCAS COUNTY. 

Lose, William 

Van Fleet, Cornelius 

NAPOLEON, HENRY COUNTY. 
Huddle, John 



Leatherman, J. 
Mory, J. D. 
Pontius, B. F. 
Kalrick, George 
Raiser, Mathias 
Scribner, Allen B. 
Shelt, John 
Scott, Robert W. 
Stevens, John W. 
Senter, H, 
Shelt, Sabina 
Tyler, Justin H. 
Van Hyming, Julius 
Wheeler, Caleb 
Wilson, David 
Williams, L. B. 



Peters, B. L. 



NORTH BALTIMORE, WOOD COUNTY. 
Peters, Mrs. B. L. 



Britton, O. J. 
Crosby, Darwin 



NEAPOLIS, LUCAS COUNTY 
Keeler, W. H. 

PERRYSBURG, WOOD COUNTY, 



Adams, Rev. G. A. 
Baird, C. C. 
Hollenbeck, D. K. 
McKnight, George 
Powell, Frank 



Powers, C. A. 
Ross, Mrs. J. W. 
Rumler, Estella 
Zing, Rudolph 



188. 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



Curtis, Newton 
Fairchilds, Alonzo 
Love, Eev. N. B. C 
Scott, Dr. W. A. 

Andrews, James 
Cone, Ambrose 
Harroun, Clara 



SW ANTON, FULTON COUNTY. 
White, J. S. 
White, Mrs. iillen 
Watking, Wells 



SYLVANIA, LUCAS COUNTY. 

Harroun, Mrs. B. J. 
Warren, Wm. P. 



Alexander, W. G. 
Andrews, Samuel 
Abbott, Eunice 
Blanchard, Samuel 
Boos, Wm. H. 
Blinn, N. D. 
Bashore, Milo 
Berdan, John 
Bloomfield, Eobert 
Brigham, C. O. 
Brice, B. Y. 
Brigham, Mrs. M. P. 
Brigham, Stanley F. 
Blodgett, Mrs. Eliza 
Bradley, A. B. 
Baldwiu, Mrs. Maria 
Bartlett, Nathaniel 
Burdick, Leander 
Bond, O. S. 
Brownlee, A. B., Jr. 
Baker, Mary Gr. 
Brainard, W. S. 
Chase, Galusha 
Colton, Abram W. 
Callahan, M. 
Collins, D. A. 
Crofts, J. A. 
Corlett, William 
Conway, John A. 
Coghlin, Dennis 
Chapin, Edward 
Cowdrick, Yien 
Contuse, E, C. 



TOLEDO, LUCAS COUNTY. 

Lemmon, Reuben C. 
Myers, James W. 
Moore, John A. 
Merikel, W. M. 
McNally, Jas. 
Morehouse, Wm. H. 
Mott, Miss Anna C. 
Norton, C. W. 
Norton, Mrs. M. D. 
Neubert, H. G. 
Nay, Eccler 
Nopper, Christ. 
Pelton, A. D. 
Pennell, W. E., Jr. 
Pratt, Charles 
Pike, Louis H. 
Pheatt, Z. C. 
Plant, A. II. 
Eaymond, E. P. 
Raymond, Paul 
Rowland, W. L. 
Romeis, Jacob 
Romeis, John 
Raymer, James 
Richardson, I. A. 
Robinson, Jas, B. 
Smith, Denison B. 
Smith, W. H. H. 
Seaman, Ira K. 
Snell, A. J. 
Southard, Thomas J. 
Stettiner, Samuel 
Spencer, J. M. 



List of Members. 



189 



Carter, S. S. 

Corson, Mrs. George 

Dunlap, Thomas 

Draper, James 

Dyer, Stephen F. 

Dowling, P. H. 

Bnglehardt, Jacob 

Ensign, W. O. 

Eddy, Charles H. 

Eggleston, Mrs. H. 

Edgar, John, 606 Piatt street. 

Greer, John L. 

Grloyd, Mary E. 

Goddard, Alonzo 

Granger, V. W. 

Gleason, A. W. 

Gardner, Nath. 

Hentzler, Horace 

Howard, Mrs. M. JST. 

Howell, A. D. 

Hone, Mrs. J. W. 

Hall, Cecil A. 

Hubbard, Franklin 

Hime, Jacob E. 

Harroun, C. H. 

Jones, Adaline 

Kelsey, Joel W. 

Ketcham, Mrs. Eachel Ann 

King, Frank J. 

Kountz, John S. 

Kenyon, Henry 

Lane, Frank T. 

Lindsay, Mrs. S. B. 



Scott, Wm. H. 
Scott, Frank J. 
Smith, E. C. 
Stinecamj), Geo. H. 
Smith, Mrs. Julia E. 
Sisson, Jesse 
Secor, Mrs. Francis P. 
. Tiernan, Thomas 
Tracy, J. E. 
Thomer, Henry 
Thurston, W. S. 
Thomas, Edwin W. 
Tappan, Wm. E. 
Van Fleet, J. 
Van Gunten, John 
Vanstone, Thomas 
Waite, John A. 
Wells, George E. 
Woods, Dr. T. J. 
Walterhouse, J. W. 
.Wilcox, M. L 
Willey, Emery 
West, Charles 
Winans, James 
Whittaker, C. H. 
Whitman, W. H. 
Wilcox, Henry 
Wagner, Mrs. Mary C. 
Woolson, A. M. 
Waggoner, Clark 
Woodruff, Jenette 
Young, Mott W. 
Vrooman, George W. 



TONTOGANY, WOOD COUNTY. 
Mawer, G^hos. - Warner, Martin 

Mawer. Mrs. Thomas 



Turney, Michael 



WAUSEON, FULTON COUNTY. 

Whittaker, George 



WATERVILLE, LUCAS COUNTY 
Ballou, O. W. Pray, Thomas 

Ballou, Mrs. 0. W. Knaggs, Miss Moriah 



190 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



Dodd, Mrs. Mary Shertzer, Joseph 

Farnsworth, J. P. Van Fleet, William 

Hoobler, George W. Yaii Fleet, Mrs. Jane E. 

Isham, Mrs. Sarah Van Fleet, H. Frank 

WESTON, WOOD COUNTY. 
Edgar, John - McDonald, C. W. 

Huber, Henry Shepherd, W. H. 

WEST TOLEDO, LUCAS COUNTY. 
Gerkins, Henry Blanchard, Samuel 

Eeynolds, George Banks, W. E 

WHITEHOUSE, LUCAS COUNTY. 

Axkinson, William Fray, Paris H. 

Atkinson, Louisa Pray, M. W. 

Burnett, George C. Pj^ay, J. L. 

Butler, Fred A. Pray, Mrs. Mary B. 

Doren, John Roulson, J. H. 

Doren, William . Eakestraw, Yarnel 

Goodman, Michael Sly, Mrs. Martha 

Goodman, Mrs. Caroline Winslow, H. E. 

Myers, J. K Ayersville, Defiance Co. 

Eobinson, Jas. B Air Line Junction, Lucas Co. 

Phillipps, Chas. B Blissfield, Mich. 

Engle, C Bryan, Ohio. 

Watkins, George Chicago, 111. 

Cross, Mrs. Hannah Cleveland, O., Eussell Ave. 

Downs, George Custar, Wood Co. 

Hollington, Eev. A Delaware, Ohio. 

Jones, L. J Digby, Wood Co, 

Converse, N. W Elyria, Ohio. 

Moore, J. P -. Fremont, Ohio. 

Willson, George H Fort Wayne, Ind. 

Ainsworth, J. N Hicksville, Defiance Co. 

Fast, H. H Holgate, Henry Co. 

Whitney; Jas. S Jackson, Mich. 

Mathews, C. W Lancaster, Ohio. 

Foster, O. W Lamoin, Wood Co. 

McCabe, Alex Morenci, Mich. 

Eodgers, O. D New Haven, Ind. 

Dunlap, Miss Jennie 7880 Broadway, N. Y. 

Freas, George Okalona, Henry Co. 



List of Members. 191 

Hardisty, A. F Payne, Wood Co. 

McMahan, E. W Portage, Wood Co. 

Banks, W. E Paulding, Ohio. 

McDowell, Mrs. C. E Prairie Depot, Ohio. 

Fentoo, H. C Eidgeville, Henry Co. 

Willson, W. H Eichfield Center, Lucas Co. 

Donaldson, David San Antonio, Texas. 

Tubbs, W. B Tubbsville, Ohio. 

Lawton, Maj. Gen. H. W U. S. Army, Washington. 

Eowe, John P Yienna, Mich. 

Williamson, C. W . . Wapakoneta, Ohio. 

Blaker, Sanford Gr Woodville, Wood Co. 



J. W. GREENE 

DEALERS IN 

Pianos, oroans, 

find ^ 

SBwinoMaGiiioes 



PIANOS, ORGANS AND SEWING MACHINES 

FOR RENT. 

Tuning and Repairing a Specialty. 

All Work Done by Experienced Workmen. 

801 to 805 Jefferson Street, Toledo. 




^C'U ,-^., 



192 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



Buy Your Clothing 



OF THE OLD RELIABLE 
PIONEER GENT^S FUR- 
NISHING and CLOTHING 
FIRM OF^c^^^^jt^jijit 



i. /KIELVIN & CO., 



AND YOU WILL BE SATISFIED. 



if 




■^^..j:.*^^is^-fe; 







Flo wer! tig Bulbs. 

We import Bulbous Roots direct from the most reliable growers in 
Holland Japan and China, and they should not be confounded with those fre- 
auentlv'sen to this market in "cases" on speculation We should be happy 
?-. mnlfp ind cious '^elections for parties unacquainted with the different yari- 
e?ier\f they wi Is taie w^ oVders, the number of bulbs require<I^and the 
fverage p S Our this year's importation of HyacinlUs, Julips, 
Crocus^, narcissus, Lilies and other Flower Bulbs, is the Fines 
n;id Laraest^ver made, and our customers and all lovers ot Flowers m want of 
'choice Bulbs are respectfully informed that they can be supplied at home by 
us h^eveiy w'ay as well, as cheaply and reliably, as by sending their orders to 
Eastern and other far off dealers. 

Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, Crocus, 

Album, 

Auralum, 

Atrosanguineum 







Galla, 

Gliinese Sacred, 

Harrisii, 

Longiflorum, 

Melpomone, 

Rubrum. 



We also carry in 
stock other BULBS not 
mentioned here, and a 
full line of 

Flower and Garden 
^ Seeds.^^^ 

Also Garden Tools, and 
ask that you kindly call 
at our store or write us 
for price list. 



LILIUM HARRISSI. 



The Henry Philipps Seed &lmplementCo 

Its & 117 St^ Clair Street, 



TOLEDO, OHIO, 



Addresses, 



Memorials 

And Sketches 



PUBLISHED 
BY 




The 



Maumee Valley Pioneer 
Association. 

1900. 



Vrooman i. Anderson, Printers, Toledo. 



// You Want to Know 
All About the. 



JIn d 

\ — 

...Get the New... 




It is Complete to 1900. 

SBBIH 

Vv^. I. sqtljii^e:, 

800 Washington Street, TOLEDO, OHIO. 



M0^. 



it 




A Gi! 

B IS/ 

C B 

D L 

e o 

r N 

H G 



/'. ..i:"-.-'v-"" '%<- 



K Outer Gate w/*Y5 
M Graves crOFFicERS 
N Officers Q.u«RTERs 
P Store Mouses 
R roRCES 8j Repair Shops 

S BuRlAl-GB0UNDcFPtTT56uBc6l.ue5 

T Grrrison BuRiftL Ground 



J|C<xp <vf^-Jc^J)LHa<c>. 



/AftUMEE RwER 




Bottom Land 







A Gun BATTgRies 
B MoRTftR Battery 
C Block Houses 
D Look outs 

C OLD MAGR^lMC 

F NewMAGftziNe 

H Gbtewavs .NTMeGRftNDTB«veR5e 



^^' "k Outer Gateways 

M GRRVES crOFF.CERS 
Nl OFriCEBSGLuRRTERS 

p Store Houses 

R FORCES 8? RepRib Shops 

S BoRl«t-GROUNDorP.TT56oPGBLUE5 

T GftRRi50NB"f"«'-<5'^''^''° 



Mdresses, Wcmomls and 
,.,, Sketches,,,, 



Published 
by 



the niaumee Ualky Pionm 




^.Jlssociation.,. 

to be delivered 
at the 

Reunion at Bowling 6mn, 0,, 

thursda^, JIuqust 16, 

mo. .. 



Toledo, Ohio: 

Vrooman * Anderson, Printers, 

1900. 



AuUaor 

2$ D '05 



PREFACE. 



We again present our annual pamphlet and trust that it 
will meet the expectation and approval of the Association, 
and that each member will give their active co-operation in 
its sale and distribution. Although the finances of the soci- 
ety does not fully warrant the effort of publishing this issue 
a few have assumed the responsibility and resultant lia- 
bility for its issue and feel that the membership of the As- 
sociation will see to it that the necessary means to meet the 
expense assumed will be supplied. 

Quite a number have agreed to pay into the treasury 
one dollar each year, and if the number of such could be 
made two hundred the society would thereby be placed on a 
sure basis and be able to publish each year a book of vastly 
more value than heretofore. Each member so subscribing 
will be entitled to four pamphlets. Will you be one of such 
member? No expense has been incurred in the editorial 
work — such has been contributed. We are enjoying a 
profitable exchange list and many Associations of national 
and state note have written for copies of our issues for 
filing, to form a permanent part of their historical collec- 
tion, and the exchanges secured are valuable additions to 
our collection. 

We solicit contributions of old books, pamphlets and 
mementoes to be added to the Association's library now be- 
ing accumulated at the Toledo Public Library building. 
Please report to the Secretary any matter you may be able 
to contribute and such will be j)roperly marked and placed 
in the Maumee Valley Pioneer Historical collection. Again, 
we urge each pioneer to furnish for publication any matter 
of a historical character, and friends of deceased members 
are alone responsible for any failure to have such men- 
tioned in our annual pamphlets. We have no paid editor. 
Each member should contribute his knowledge of historical 
facts. If they fail to do so much of great value will be for- 
ever lost. No section of our country abounds in more valu- 
able pioneer liistory than does the Maumee Valley. See to 
it that so far as your knowledge of them goes no effort will 
be spared to make a record of them. Let our Secretary hear 
from you. 



MINUTES. 



The Thirty-fifth Annual Reunion of the Maumee Valley 
Pioneer Association was held at the City Hall, in Delta, O., 
August 30th, 1899. 

The weather was warm, and so was the hearty welcome 
extended by the people of Delta., A delegation by special 
train from Toledo and surrounding towns was met by the 
very hospitable people of Delta, and were escorted in con- 
veyances, led by the Delta Cornet Band, to the City Hall, 
when the program of the day was conducted by the Chair- 
man, Dr. William Ramsey. 

After a song by the choir, prayer was offered by Rev. 
George McKay. Hon. John C. Rexson came forward and ex- 
tended a hearty welcome by the citizens of Delta. In the 
absence of our Hon. D. B. Smith, Judge Charles Pratt res- 
ponded to the welcome for the Association. 

Hon. J. H. Brigham was then introduced, and made the 
address of the morning. After Col. Brigham, Mrs. Kate B. 
Sherwood gave a very earnest talk on the Centennial, and 
the meeting was closed for the dinner hour. 

The election of ofiicers was the first feature taken up 
after dinner. The names of candidates were selected by a 
nominating committee, of which Rev. G. A. Adams was 
chairman, and the following members were chosen to serve 
the coming year : 

FOR PRESIDENT, 

Mr. Paris H. Pray, of Whitehouse, O. 

SECRETARY, 

J. L. Pray, of Whitehouse. 

TREASURER, 

William Corlett, of Toledo. 



f 

6 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

VICE-PEESIDENTS, 

A. L. Sergeant, Delta, Fulton County. 

Mr. Blackford, Findlay, Hancock County. 

Justin H. Tyler, Napoleon, Henry County. 

Charles Pratt, Toledo, Lucas County. 

D. K. Hollenbeck, Perrysburg, Wood County. 

Dr. C. E. Slocum, Defiance, Defiance County. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

J. B. Bufiington, Defiance County. 

A. B. Thompson, Fulton County. 

C. C. Young, Henry County. 

William Corlett, Lucas County. 

J. O. Troup, Wood County. 

Following the election* of ofiicers, Mrs. Sherwood was 

again called out to address the audience further about the 

Centennial, and at the conclusion of her remarks resolutions 

were offered by the Association pledging its support to the 

Centennial. 

Judge D. R. Austin was then introduced, and gave an 
interesting pioneer address. This was followed by a recita- 
tion by Mrs. Jessie Moore entitled " A Pioneer Proposal." 
After a resolution thanking the committee at Delta, the 
band and the choir, and the citizens generally for their cor- 
dial reception and hearty welcome. The meeting was closed 
by the choir. 



The Midwinter Business Meeting was called and held at 
the extra court room at the Court House at Toledo, at 10 :00 
a. m. January 16, 1900. The meeting was presided over by 
Mr. C. C. Young, of Liberty Center, Ohio. The Secretary 
explained the desirability of an annual contribution of $1.00 
each. Mr. John E. Gunckel spoke earnestly of the work of 
the Association, and contributed a valuable historical sketch. 

Dr. Charles E. Slocum, of Defiance, urged the collection 
of a pioneer library, to be centralized at the Public Library 
Building, at Toledo, and a committee of Dr. Slocum, Wm. 
Corlett and Mrs. Kate B. Sherwood was chosen to make ar- 
rangements with the Library Board. Further remarks were 
made by Mr. Corlett, Mr. Evers, Mrs. Sherwood, Mr. Hol- 
lenbeck and others. 



Minutes. 7 

It was resolved that all members of the Monumental 
branch of the Association be considered full members of the 
Maumee Valley Pioneer Association when reported by their 
Secretary. 

As an urgent appeal came from our pioneer brethren at 
Bowling Green, borne by the hands of Messrs. Evers, Phil- 
lipps, Wilson, Halsey, Boughton and others, inviting us to 
hold the next reunion at that city. It was decided to accept 
the invitation, and at a subsequent meeting held at Mr. 
Troup's office at Bowling Green, it was decided to hold the 
reunion August 16, 1900. 



SECRETARY'S REPORT. 
Amount of bills rendered for printing circulars, 

postal cards, etc $ 10 04 

Amount for printing 1899 Pamphlet, etc 127 12 

Amount Blade Printing & Paper Co., bill 4 25 

Total ._- $141 41 

Received from membership fund $ 30 00 

Received from sale of books 65 84 

Received from advertisements 33 00 

Total $128 84 

TREASURER'S REPORT. 

EECEIPTS. 

Received from former Treasurer $ 27 

Received from sale of books 65 84 

Received from membership funds 30 00 

Received from advertising 33 00 

Total - $129 11 

DISBUESEMENTS. 

Paid Vrooman, Anderson & Bateman on account 110 00 

Paid Blade Printing & Paper Co 4 25 

Paid Secretary on account of postage, etc 10 04 

Cash on hand 4 82 



Total $129 11 



8 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Maumee Valley Pioneer Association to Vrooman, 

Anderson & Bateman, Dr : 
For printing 1899 Pamphlet $117 10 

25 
2 25 
4 50 
2 50 



Total $127 12 

By amount cash 110 00 

Balance $ 17 12 




GEN. W. H. HARRISON. 



The Siege of Fort Meigs. 



THE SIEGE OF FORT MEIGS. 

BY, H. W, COMPTON. 



The construction of Fort Meigs by General William 
Henry Harrison in the early spring of 1813, and its siege by 
the British general, Proctor, and the renowned chief 
Tecnmseh in May of that year, was one of the important in- 
cidents in the war of 1812. But few of those who now look 
at the ruins of Fort Meigs, slumbering upon the high, grassy 
plateau opposite the village of Maumee, can realize the fear- 
ful struggle that took place amid those peaceful surround- 
ings from May first to May fifth, 1813. The incessant roar of 
heavy artillery, the ceaseless rattle of musketry, the shock 
of arms in the onset of contending soldiers, British and 
American, mingled with the piercing yells of Tecumseh's 
infuriated savage's, for five days and nights, during the 
frightful siege, broke the quiet of the valley, now dotted 
with its peaceful homes and prosperous villages. To under- 
stand aright the historic importance of Fort Meigs' struggle 
in the War of 1812 it will be necessary to review the events 
leading up to the construction of that important stronghold, 
recount the main events of its successful resistance to armed 
invasion, and then point out the beneficient result that en- 
sued from the valorous defense by Harrison and his be- 
leaguered heroes. 

The War of 1812, or "Madison's War," as it was called by 
unfriendly critics of the administration, was declared June 
eighteenth, 1812. There was great opposition to the 
war in the sea-board states, especially among the 
bankers, merchants and manufacturers. A war with 
England was greatly dreaded, as our weak country 
was then just beginning to recover from its long 
and exhaustive struggle for independence and was 
beginning to reap some of the fruits of peace and prosperity. 
Many believed that we had nothing to gain and much to lose 
by a war with England, as she had great armies in the field 
and practically ruled the seas. But the provocation to war 



10 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

was great, and the national pride and indignation of the 
Americans was ronsed to the highest XDitcli by the insolent 
aggressions of England toward our commerce and our 
sailors. England's "Orders in Council," in reprisal for 
Napoleon's Berlin and Milan decrees, excluded our merchant 
ships from almost every port of the world, unless the permis- 
sion of England to trade was first obtained. In defiance of 
England's paper blockade of the world our ships went forth 
to trade with distant nations. Hundreds of them were cap- 
tured, their contents confiscated and the vessels carried as 
prizes into English ports. But this was not all. The United 
States recognized the right oi an alien to be "naturalized" 
and become a citizen of this country, but England held to 
the doctrine, "Once an Englishman always an Englishman." 
In consequence of this our ships were insolently hailed and 
boarded by the war sloops and frigates of England and 
six thousand American sailors in all were dragged from our 
decks and impressed into the British service. In addition to 
these insults and aggressions it was Avell known to the 
United States that English agents in the Northwest were 
secretly aiding and encouraging the wild Indian tribes of 
the Wabash and Lake Superior regions to commit savage 
depredations upon our frontier settlements. About this 
time an Indian chieftain of the Shawanese tribe, Tecumseh 
by name, like King Philip and Pontiac before him, con- 
ceived the idea of rallying all the Indian tribes together and 
driving the white men out of the country. 

Tecumseh was of a noble and majestic presence, was 
possessed of a lofty and magnanimous character and was en- 
dowed with a gift of irresistible eloquence. Tecumseh had 
a brother called the Prophet, who claimed to be able to fore- 
tell future events and secure victories and effect marvelous 
cures by his charms and incantations. Harrison, then gov- 
ernor of the Indiana Territory, was active in securing Indian 
lands by purchase and treaty for supplying the oncoming 
tide of white men who pressed hard upon the Indian bound- 
ary lines. Tecumseh and the Prophet sent their emissaries 
abroad and organized a great confederacy which refused to 
cede the title to the lands of the Wabash valley, as had 
been agreed upon by separate tribes. They even came down 



The Siege of Fort Meigs. 11 

into the valley and built a town where Tippecanoe Creek 
flows into the Wabash. Harrison, alarmed at these signs 
of resistance, called the plotters to account. The Prophet, 
all of whose machinations were based upon fraud and decep- 
tion, denied everything. But Tecumseh marched proudly 
down to Vincennes with four hundred braves behind him 
and in the Council, in a speech of great eloquence and 
power set forth tlie burning wrongs of his people and asked 
for justice and redress. 

When Tecumseh had finished, an ofiicer of the governor 
pointed to a vacant chair and said, "Your father asks you to 
take a seat by his side." Tecumseh drew his mantle around 
him and proudly exclaimed, "My father! The sun is my 
father, and the earth my mother, in her bosom I will re- 
pose." He then calmly seated himself upon the bare 
ground. 

But the plotting and the intriguing among the hostile 
Indians continued, Tecumseh traveling everywhere and in- 
citing a spirit of war and defiance. Harrison became alarm- 
ed at the formidable preparation of the savages and 
marched from Vincennes with nine hundred soldiers to dis- 
perse the hostile camp at Prophet's town on the Wabash at 
Tippecanoe. The chiefs came out to meet him and with pro- 
fessions of friendship promised on the next day to grant all 
that he desired. Harrison was deceived by this reception 
and encamped upon the spot which the chiefs pointed out. 
In the dark hours of the early morning the treacherous 
Prophet and his inflamed followers crept silently upon the 
sleeping soldiers of Harrison, shot the sentinels with arrows 
and with frightful yells burst into the circle of the camp. 
At the first fire the well trained soldiers rolled from their 
blankets and tents and with fixed bayonets rushed upon 
their red foes. For two hours a bloody struggle ensued, but 
the valor and discipline of the whites prevailed. The In- 
dians were scattered and their town was burned. Tecumseh 
was not present at the battle of Tii^pecanoe but the Prophet, 
at a safe distance upon a wooded height, inspired his braves 
by wild hallooings and weird incantations. His pretenses 
were so discredited by the result of the battle that he was 
driven out of the country and sank into obscurity. But not 



12 The Maumee Yalley Pioneer Association. 

so with Tecumseh, His heart was filled with rage and 
hatred against Harrison and the American soldiers. He 
knew that war was just trembling in the balance between 
England and the United States. He immediately repaired 
to Maiden at the mouth of the Detroit river and proffered 
the aid of himself and his confederacy against the United 
States. This famous battle of Tippecanoe, fought in the 
dark, November seventh, 1811, was really the first blow struck 
in the war which was openly declared in the following June. 
The Indians now fondly hoped that the English would de- 
liver their country from the grasp of the Americans. And 
the English on their part were profuse in their promises of 
speedy deliverance and in their gifts of arms and supplies of 
all kinds. The war in the west was indeed but another 
struggle for the possession of the lands between the Alle- 
ghanies and the Mississippi. And had England won in the 
contest, not Tecumseh and his confederacy would have had 
the hunting grounds of their forefathers restored, but Can- 
ada would have been enlarged by the addition of the Old 
Northwest to her own domain. It was far easier for the 
United States to declare war than to prosecute it to a suc- 
cessful issue. Our country was without an army and with- 
out a navy and had but scanty means for creating either. 
England had armies of experienced veterans and avast navy. 
Ohio had less than 250,000 inhabitants and her line of civil- 
ized settlements did not extend more than fifty miles north 
of the Ohio River. Whatever part Ohio, Indiana and Ken- 
tucky should play in the contest must be done by conveying 
troops and munitions of war over a road two hundred miles 
long through the wilderness. 

As the campaign was planned against Canada these sup- 
plies for the raw recruits of the west had to be transported 
northward over roads cut toward Lake Erie and Detroit 
through the swami3s and tangled morasses of the unbroken 
forest. The line of contest between the two nations was 
over five hundred miles long, extending from Lake Cham- 
plain to Detroit. The Americans held three important 
points of vantage, Plattsburg, Niagara and Detroit. The 
British held three on the Canada side of the line, Kings- 
ton, Toronto and Maiden. At the latter place (now Am- 



The Siege of Fort Meigs. 13' 

herstberg) the British had a fort, a dockyard and a fleet of 
war vessels, thus controlling Lake Erie. The Americans 
soon had three armies in the field eager to invade and cap- 
ture Canada. One under Hull, then governor of Michigan 
Territory, with two thousand men was to cross the river at 
Detroit, take Maiden and march eastward through Canada. 
Another army under Yan Renssaeler was to cross the Niag- 
ara River, capture Queenstown, effect a junction with Hull 
and then capture Toronto and march eastward on Montreal. 
The third army under Dearborn at Plattsburg was to cross 
the St. Lawrence, join Hull and Van Renssaeler before Mon- 
treal and capture that city. The combined forces were then 
to March on Quebec, take that city and thus complete the 
invasion and conquest of Canada. This fine program was 
not carried out. It would have taken t]ie combined genius 
of a Napoleon and a Caesar to have executed such a plan of 
battle over such immense distances. 

The plain truth is the Americans had in the field at this 
time only raw, ill disciplined troops and absolutely no gen- 
erals with abilities which fitted them to command such ex- 
peditions. Hull according to orders crossed the Detroit 
River to Sandwich and there in vacillating indicision daw- 
dled away the time for several weeks without advancing 
upon Maiden only a few miles away. When he heard that 
Mackinac Island had fallen into British hands he began to 
quake in his boots, and thought of retreating. Soon he re- 
ceived news that an Ohio convoy destined for Detroit had 
been attacked and was in danger of capture. This settled 
it. Hull quickly retreated across the river to Detroit with 
all his forces with no thought but for protecting his own 
line of communication, for he liad reached Detroit originally 
from LTrbana by a road which he had cut through the wil- 
derness by way of Kenton and Findlay. Brock, the brave 
and skillful British general commanding at Maiden, imme- 
diately followed Hull across the river and demanded the 
surrender of Detroit with threats of a massacre by his Indian 
allies if Hull did not comply. To his credit be it said, Hull 
refused, and the Americans prepared foi; battle. Brock 
marched up to within five hundred yards. The Americans 
were ready and eager for the fray and the artillerymen 



14 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Associatioi 



stood at their guns with lighted matches, when to the dismay 
and shame of all, the Stars and Stripes was lowered from 
the flag staff of the fort and the white flag of surrender was 
run up. Hull had weakened at the last moment and had 
given up the whole of Michigan Territory, and also Detroit 
with all its troops, guns and stores, and even surrendered 
detachments of troops twenty-five miles distant. The olfi- 
cers and soldiers of Hull were overwhelmed witli rage and 
humiliation at this cowardly surrender. The ofticers broke 
their swords across tlieir knees and tore the epaulets from 
their uniforms. Poor old Hull, it is said, had done good 
service in the Revolutionary War, but he had reached his 
dotage and his nerve had departed, and moreover he had a 
daughter in Detroit whom he dearly loved and on whose ac- 
count he dreaded an Indian massacre. 

Hull's troops had also been greatly diminished in num- 
bers, tlie government had been negligent in reinforcing him 
and he was confronted by about one thousand British sol- 
diers and fifteen hundred bloodthirsty Indians. These facts 
may have helped to lead him into this shameful and cow- 
ardly capitulation. Hull was afterwards courtmartialed and 
tried on three charges of treason, cowardice and conduct un- 
becoming an oflicer. He was convicted on the two latter 
charges and was sentenced to be shot, but was subsequently 
pardoned on account of former services. 

Another disaster in the West accompanied Hull's sur- 
render. AYhen he heard Mackinac had fallen he at once sent 
Winnimac, a friendly chief, to Chicago, and advised Captain 
Heald, commanding at Fort Dearborn, to evacuate the fort 
with his garrison and go to Fort Wayne. 

Heald heeded this bad advice. He abandoned the fort 
with his garrison of about sixty soldiers, together with a 
number of women and children. He had no sooner left the 
precincts of the fort than his little company was attacked by 
a vast horde of treacherous Pottawatomies who had pre- 
tended to be friends but who had been inflamed by the 
speeches and warlike messages of Tecumseh. The little 
band of whites resolved to sell their lives as dearly as possi- 
ble and defended themselves with the utmost bravery, even 
the women fighting valiantly beside their husbands. During 



The Siege of Fort }feigs. 15 

the fray one savage fiend climbed into a baggage wagon and 
tomahawked twelve little children who had been placed 
there for safety. In this unequal contest William Wells, 
the famous spy who had served Wayne so well, lost his life. 
Nearly all of the little Chicago garrison were thus massacred 
in the most atrocious manner. In the meantime Van 
Renssaeler's army at Niagara had failed to take Queenstown 
and a part of it under Winfield Scott, after a brave resist- 
ance, had been captured. Dearborn's army on Lake Cham- 
plain passed the summer in idleness and indecision and ac- 
complished nothing. 

Thus closed with failure and disaster the campaign of 
the year 1812. 

January, 1813, opened with still another tragedy of the 
direst character. General Winchester had been appointed 
to the chief command of the army of the west after the sur- 
render of Hull ; but this appointment raised a storm of op- 
position among the troops who desired General Harrison to 
be in supreme command. Harrison was extremely popular 
among the soldiers. His great energy and his remarkable 
military abilities were well known, and moreover, he was 
the hero of Tippecanoe. Accordingly, in obedience to the 
popular demand, Harrison, in September of 1812, w,as ap- 
pointed to the chief command of the army of the west. But 
Winchester still continued to retain an important command, 
and in January of 1813 he marched his troops from Fort 
Wayne and Defiance down the north bank of the Maumee, 
over Wayne's old route, to the foot of the Rapids in the 
hope that he might be al)le to do something to repair the 
disaster of Hull's surrender. • On his arriving at the Rapids, 
messengers from Frenchtown (now Monroe) informed him 
that a force of British and Indians were encamped at French- 
town and were causing the inhabitants great loss and an- 
noyance. Winchester at once set out for Frenchtown and 
on January nineteenth attacked and completely routed the 
enemy at that place. Had he tlien returned to the Rapids 
he would have escaped the terrible disaster which followed. 
The full British force was at Majden only eighteen miles 
away. A force of fifteen hundred British and Indians im- 
mediately marched against Winchester and attacked him 



16 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

early on the morning of the twenty-second. The battle was 
fierce and stubborn. The Americans had no entrenchments 
or protection of any kind and were overwhelmed by superior 
numbers. Those who were still alive, after a bloody resist- 
ance, were compelled to surrender. Then followed such a 
scene of carnage as has seldom been witnessed. Proctor, 
the British commander, stood calmly by while his Indian 
allies mutilated the dead and inflicted the most awful tor- 
tures upon the wounded, -Even those who had surrendered 
upon condition that their lives should be spared were at- 
tacked by these savage butchers with knife and tomahawk. 
The awful deeds that followed the surrender have covered 
the name of Proctor with infamy and have made "The Mas- 
sacre of the Raisin" a direful event in history. When the 
appalling news of the massacre reached the settlements the 
people of Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Ohio girded them- 
selves for revenge. Ten thousand troops were raised for 
Harrison and it was determined to wipe out the disgrace of 
Hull's surrender and avenge the awful death of comrades 
and friends so pitilessly and treacherously butchered on the 
Raisin. "Remember the Raisin," was heard in every camp 
and issued from between the set teeth of soldiers who in 
long lines began converging toward the Rapids of the 
Maumee. 

It was under such circumstances as these, with two 
armies swept away and the country plunged in gloom, that 
General Harrison began with, redoubled energy to get to- 
gether a third army. He at first thought of withdrawing all 
troops from northwestern Ohio and retreating toward the 
interior of the state. But upon second thought he resolved 
to build a strong fortress upon the southern bank of the 
Maumee at the foot of the rapids which should be a grand 
depot of supplies and a base of operations against Detroit 
and Canada. Early in February of 1813, Harrison, with 
Captains Wood and Gratiot of the engineer corps, selected 
the high plateau of the Maumee's southern bank lying just 
opposite the present village of Maumee. As the British 
commanded Lake Erie this w^as a strategic point of great 
value and lay directly on the road to Canada. Below it 
armies and heavy guns could not well be conveyed across 




GEN. ANTHONY WAYNE. 



The Siege of Fort Meigs. 17 

the impassible marshes and estuaries of the bay. It 
was a most favoral^le position for either attack or defense, 
for advance or retreat, for concentrating the troops and sup- 
plies of Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana, or for 
effectively repelling the invasion of the British and their 
horde of savage allies from the north. The construction of 
the fort was begun in February and originally covered .a 
space of about ten acres. It was completed the last of 
April, and was named Fort Meigs in honor of Return Jona- 
than Meigs, then governor of Ohio. The fort was in the 
form of an irregular ellipse and was enclosed by sharp- 
ened palisades fifteen feet long and about twelve inches in 
diameter, cut from the adjoining forest. In bastions at con- 
venient angles of the fort were erected nine strong block- 
houses equipped with cannon, besides the regular gun and 
mortar batteries. In the western end of the fort were lo- 
cated the magazine, forges, repair shops, storehouses and 
the officers' quarters. Harrison knew that Proctor was pre- 
IDaring at Maiden for an attack on the fort and that he 
would appear as soon as the ice was out of Lake Erie. On 
April twenty-sixth Proctor arrived in the river off the pres- 
ent site of Toledo with four hundred regulars of the forty- 
first regiment and eight hundred Canadians, and with a train 
of heavy battering artillery on board his ships. A force of 
eighteen hundred Indians under Tecumseh swept across in 
straggling columns by land from Maiden. The British land- 
ed at old Fort Miami, a mile below Fort Meigs on the oppo- 
site side o? the river. Fort Miami was then in a somewhat 
ruined condition, as the British had abandoned it shortly 
after Wayne's victory eighteen years before. It was hastily 
repaired and occupied by the British, Tecumseh with his In- 
dians encamping close by. The British landed their heavy 
guns at the Watergate of the old fort and laboriously drag- 
ged them up the long slope to the high bank above. All 
night long they toiled in erecting their siege batteries. 
With teams of oxen and squads of two hundred men to each 
gun they hauled the heavy ordnance through mud two feet 
deej) from old Fort Miami to the high embankment just op- 
posite Fort Meigs. There early on the morning of May first, 
the British had four strong batteries in position, despite th© 



18 TJie Matiinee Valley Pioneer Association. 

incessant fire which the Americans from Fort Meigs had 
directed upon them. 

These four batteries were known as the King's Battery, 
the Queen's Battery the Sailors Battery and the Mortar Bat- 
tery, the latter throwing destructive bombs of various sizes. 
Harrison was characterized by great foresight and penetra- 
tion as a general. On the night the British were planting 
their batteries, realizing that he had an available force of 
less than eight hundred men, he dispatched a brave scout, 
Captain William Oliver, to General Green Clay, who he 
knew was on the way with a large force of Kentuckians, to 
bid him hurry forward with his reinforcements. On the 
same night he set his men to work with spades and threw 
up the "grand traverse," an enbankment of earth extend- 
ing longitudinally through the middle of the fort, nine hun- 
dred feet long, twelve feet high and with a base width of 
twenty feet. The tents were taken down and the little 
army retired behind the great embankment and awaited the 
coming storm wdiich broke in fury at dawn, on May first. 
The British batteries all opened at once with a perfect storm 
of red hot solid shot and screaming shells which fell within 
the palisades, plowed up the earth of the grand traverse or 
went hissing over the fort and crashed into the woods be- 
yond. The soldiers protected themselves by digging bomb- 
• proof caves at the base of the grand traverse on the shel- 
tered side, where they were quite secure, unless by chance a 
spinning shell rolled into one of them. For several days and 
nights the troops ate and slept in these holes under the em- 
bankment, ever ready to rush to the palisades or gates in case 
of a breach or an assault. During the siege a cold, steady rain 
set m and the underground bomb-proof retreats gradually 
filled with water and mud. The soldiers were compelled to 
take to the open air behind the embankment where, having 
become used to the terrible uproar they ate, slept, joked and 
played cards. It is related that Harrison offered a reward 
of a gill of whiskey for each British cannon ball that should 
be returned to the magazine keeper. On a single day of 
the siege, it is said, a thousand balls were thus secured and 
hurled back by the American batteries which constantly re- 
plied to the British fire, night and day, frequently dismount- 



The Siege of Fort Meigs. 19 

ing their guns. One of the American militiamen became 
very exj^ert in detecting the destined course of the British 
projectiles and would faithfully warn the garrison. He 
would take his station on the enbahkment in defiance of 
danger. When the smoke issued from the gun he would 
shout, "shot," or "bomb" whichever it might be. At times 
he would say, "blockhouse No. 1," or "main battery" as the 
case might be. Sometimes growing facetious he would yell, 
"now for the meat-house," or if the shot was high he would 
exclaim, "now good-bye, if you will pass." In spite of dan- 
ger and protests he kept his post. One day he remained 
silent and puzzled, as the shot came in the direct line of his 
vision. He watched and peered while the ball came straight 
on and dashed him to fragments. On the third night of the 
siege a detachment of British together with a large force of 
Indians crossed the river below Fort Meigs and passing up a 
little ravine planted on its margin, southeast of the fort, 
and within two hundred and fifty yards, two new batteries. 
The garrison was now subjected to a terrible crossfire, 
and the Indians, climbing trees in the v icinity, poured in a 
galling rifle fire, killing some and wounding many of the 
garrison. On the morning of the fourth of May, Proctor 
sent to Harrison a demand for the surrender of the fort. 
Harrison replied to the officer who bore Proctor's demand, 
"Tell your General that if he obtains possession of this fort 
it will be under circumstances that will do him far more 
honor than would my surrender." And again the ceaseless 
bombardment on both sides began. On the night of May 
fourth Captain Oliver crept into the fort under cover of 
darkness and informed Harrison that General Green Clay 
with twelve hundred Kentucky militia was at that moment 
descending the Maumee in eighteen large barges and could 
reach the fort in two hours, but Avould await the orders of 
Harrison. The command was immediately sent out for Clay 
to come down the river, land eight hundred men on the 
northern bank, seize and spike the British cannon and then 
immediately cross the river to Fort Meigs. The other four 
hundred Kentuckians were ordered to land on the southern 
bank directly under the fort and fight their way in at the 
gates, the garrison in the meantime making sallies to aid in 



20 The Maumee Valley Pioneer AssociaMon. 



the movement. Colonel Dudley, being second in command, 
led the van and landed his boats about one mile above the 
British batteries on the northern bank of the river. He 
formed his eight hundred men in three lines and marched 
silently down upon the batteries in the darkness. The Ken- 
tuckians took the British comj)leteiy by surprise. They 
closed in upon the guns and charged with the bayonet, the 
artillery men and Indians fleeing for their lives. They 
spiked the British guns and rolled" some of them down the 
embankment, but unfortunately the sxjiking was done with 
ramrods instead of with the usual steel imj)lements, and the 
British subsequently put the guns in action again. Had the 
Americans now obeyed the orders of Harrison and crossed 
the river and entered the fort all would have been well. But 
the Kentucky militia were eager for a fight, and elated by 
their success in capturing the batteries, they began a pur- 
suit of the fleeing Indians. In vain they were called to by 
friends from Fort Meigs who saw their danger. 

Wildly the cheering Kentuckians dashed into the forest 
after the flying savages who artfully led them on. Then 
deep in the recesses of the forest a multitude of savages rose 
up around them. Tomahawks were hurled at them and shots 
came thick and fast from behind trees and bushes. Realiz- 
ing that they had fallen into an ambuscade they began a 
hasty and confused retreat toward the batteries. But in the 
meantime the British regulars had come up from old Fort 
Miami and thrown themselves between the river and the 
retreating Americans. About one hundred and fifty cut 
their way through and escaped across the river. At least 
two hundred and fifty were cut to pieces by the savages and 
about four hundred were captured. The prisoners were 
marched down to the old fort to be \)ut on board ships. On 
the way the Indians began butchering the helpless prisoners. 

Tecumseh, far more humane than his white allies, hear- 
ing of the massacre, dashed up on his horse, and seeing two 
Indians butchering an American, he brained one with his 
tomahawk and felled the other to the earth. Drake states 
that on this occasion Tecumseh seemed rent with grief and 
passion and cried out, "Oh what will become of ray poor 
Indians!" Seeing Froctor standing near Tecumseh sternly 



/ 
The Siege of Fort Meigs. ^1 



asked him why he had not stopped the inhiiinan massacre. 
"Sir, your Indians cannot be commanded," replied Proctor, 
"Begone, you are nntit to command; go and put on petti- 
coats," retorted Tecumseli. After this incident the prison- 
ers were not further molested. 

On the other side of the river events had gone quite dif- 
ferently. The four hundred who landed on the south bank, 
with the help of a sallying party, after a bloody struggle, 
succeeded in entering the fort. At the same time the garri- 
son made a brilliant sortie from the southern gate and at- 
tacked the batteries on the ravine. They succeeded in 
spiking all the guns and captured forty-two prisoners, two of 
them British officers. After this an armistice occurred for 
burying the dead and exchanging prisoners. Harrison pru- 
dently took advantage of the lull in the conflict to get the 
ammunition and supplies, that had come on the boats, into 
the fort. The batteries then again resumed fire, but the 
Indians had become weary of the siege, a method of warfare 
so much opposed to their taste and genius. They had become 
glutted too with blood and scalps, and were heavily laden 
with the spoils of Dudley's massacred troops. So in spite of 
Tecumseh's protests they gradually slipped away in the 
forest toward their northern homes. Proctor now became 
disheartened by the desertion of his allies and feared the 
coming of more reinforcements for Harrison. The Stars and 
Stripes still waved above the garrison, and Fort Meigs was 
stronger and more impregnable than ever. Sickness broke 
out among the British troops encamped upon the damp 
ground and squads of the Canadian militia began to desert, 
stealing away under cover of darkness. Tecumseh, uncon- 
querable and determined, still remained ui^on the ground 
with four hundred braves of his own tribe, the Shawanese. 

Few of the present day can know or even imagine the 
horrible scenes that took place within the precincts of 
Tecumseh's camp shortly after the massacre of Dudley's 
troops. A British officer who took part in the siege, writing 
in 1826, tells of a visit to the Indian camp on the day after 
the massacre. The camp was filled with the clothes and 
plunder stripped from the slaughtered soldiers and officers. 
The lodges were adorned with saddles, bridles and richly or- 



22 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



namented swords and pistols. Swarthy savages strutted 
about in cavalry boots and the fine uniforms of American 
officers. The Jndian wolf dogs were gnawing the bones of 
the fallen. Everywhere were scalps and the skins of hands 
and feet stretched on hoops, stained on the fleshy side with 
Vermillion, and drying in the sun. At one place was found 
a circle of Indians seated around a huge kettle boiling frag- 
ments of slaughtered American soldiers, each Indian with a 
string attached to his particular portion. Being invited to 
partake of the hideous repast, the officer relates that he and 
his companion turned away in loathing and disgust, excusing 
themselues with the plea that they had already dined. Un 
the ninth of May, dispairing of reducing Fort Meigs, Proctor 
anchored his gun-boats under the batteries, and although 
subjected to constant fire from the Americans, embarked 
his guns and troops and sailed away to Maiden. But before 
dismounting the batteries, they all fired at once a parting 
salute, by which ten or twelve of the Americans were killed 
and about twenty-five wounded. Thus for about twelve days 
was the beleagured garrison hemmed in by the invading 
horde. The Americans suffered them to depart without 
molestation, for as one of the garrison said, "We were glad 
to be rid of them on any terms." The same writer says, 
"The next morning found us somewhat more tranquil. We 
could leave the ditches and walk about with more of an air 
of freedom than we had done for fourteen days ; and I wish 
I could present to the reader a picture of the condition we 
found ourselves in when the withdrawal of the enemy gave 
us time to look at each other's outward appearance. The 
scarcity of water had put the washing of our hands and faces, 
much less our linen, out of the question. Many had scarce- 
ly any clothing left, and that which they had was so be- 
grimed and torn by our residence in the ditch and other 
means, that we presented the appearance of so many scare- 
crows." Proctor appeared again in the river ten days later, 
with his boats, and Tecumseh with his Indians, and remained 
in the vicinity of the fort from July twentieth to the twenty- 
eighth. This visitation constitutes wdiat has been called the 
second siege of Fort Meigs. Their force this time is said to 
have consisted of about five thousand whites and Indians, 



The Siege of Fort Meigs. 23 

I)iit they attempted no bonibardmeiit and no assault. The 
The Indians contented themselves with capturing and mur- 
dering a party of ten Americans whom they caught outside 
the fort. It was during this siege that the Indians and 
British secreted themselves in the woods southeast of the 
fort and got up a sham battle among themselves, with great 
noise and firing, in order to draw out the garrison. But this 
ruse did not deceive General Clay, then in command, al- 
though many of the soldiers angrily demanded to be led out 
to the assistance of comrades who, they imagined, had been 
attacked while coming to relieve the besieged garrison. On 
the twenty-eighth Proctor and his Indian allies again depart- 
ed, going to attack Fort Stephenson whose glorious victory 
under young Crogan was one of the great achievements of 
the War of 1812. 

During the siege of Fort Meigs from May first to the 
fifth, beside the massacred troops of Colonel Dudley, the 
garrison, in sorties and within the fort, had eighty-one kill- 
ed and one hundred and eighty-nine wounded. The sunken 
and grass grown graves of the heroes who lost their lives at 
Fort Meigs are still to be seen upon the spot. 

The events that followed the heroic resistance of Fort 
Meigs are no doubt too well known to require narration. 

The famous victory of Perry in the following September 
cleared Lake Erie of the British fleet. Proctor and Tecum- 
seh fled from Maiden and Harrison's army pursued, over- 
taking them. at the Thames. There the British were com- 
IDletely routed and the brave Tecumseh was slain. This put 
an end to the war in the west and Michigan and Detroit 
again became American possessions. 

The important part which Fort Meigs played in the war 
can now be seen. It was the rallying point for troops, and 
the great storehouse of supplies for the western army. It 
was the Gibraltar of the Maumee valley and rolled back the 
tide of British invasion while Perry was cutting his green 
ship timbers from the forest around Erie, and it was to Har- 
rison at Fort Meigs that Perry's world-famed dispatch came 
when the British fleet had struck their colors off Put-in-Bay ; 
"We have met the enemy and they are ours; two ships, two 
brigs, one schooner and one sloop." All honor to old Fort 



24 The Matimee Yalley Pioneer Association. 

Meigs! The rain and the frost and the farmer's plow are 
fast obliterating the ruins of the grand old stronghold that 
once preserved the great northwest for the United States, 
Little remains there now, where the roar of battle broke the 
air, and the devoted band of patriots stood their ground 
under the shower of iron hail and shrieking shells that for 
days were hurled upon them. The long green line of the 
grand traverse, with its four gateways, still stretches across 
the plain and the peaceful kine are browsing along its sides. 
And near by, sunken, unmarked, weed-grown and neglect- 
ed are the graves of the heroic dead who fell in the fearful 
strife. 




TECUMSEH. 



Address. 25 



ADDRESS 

Delivcfed before the Pioneers at their Annual Meeting, Court 
Hoose, Toledo, Ohio, January 19, 1900. 



BY JOHN E. GUNCKEL. 



It is always interesting to review the history of a 
country which carries with it for all time to come a national 
interest, and to bring before us the names of those who 
were the principals in making this history. We are in- 
debted to the members of the Maumee Valley Pioneer Asso- 
ciation for their continual personal efforts to encourage 
historical research, and in their patriotic efforts to preserve 
the forts and battlefields, and to keep ever fresh the names 
of those who achieved the independence of the American 
people. We are some times led to believe that our citizens 
do not appreciate the historical value of the Maumee valley. • 
Monuments mark the spots of far less importance in our 
Eastern cities than the battle grounds of this valley, where 
at one time weighed in the balance as to whether the North- 
west would be English or American territory. There are 
but few incidents in the history of this country that loom 
above the level of events to the successful campaigns of 
Generals Wayne and Harrison, and Commodore Perry. 

It was to them, and their brave men, " men who fought 
as heroes fought, and died as heroes died," we are indebted 
for the greatest and most prosperous country on the globe. 
To the soldiers of the American Revolution belong the credit 
for giving to us the five great States which originally com- 
prised, by treaty, the Northwest Territory — Ohio, Indiana, 
Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. 

To the young men filled with the spirit of '76 and the 
courage of their fathers belonged the honor and glory of 
protecting and holding the frontier from the invasion of the 
murderous savages, and wringing from Great Britain the 
territory which they had conceded in a treaty of 1783. 

It is not my intention of going into the history that 



26 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

leads to the Harrison campaign. Suffice it to say that you 
are familiar with the inauguration at . Marietta, Ohio, on 
July 15, 1788, of General Arthur St. Clair as Governor of the 
Northwest Territory. That the Indians soon thereafter, in- 
stigated by the British, murdered thousands of men, women 
and children along the frontier, until President Washington 
commissioned General Harmer to protect the frontier. 
Meeting defeat before an overwhelming number, General 
Harmer was retired, and a few months later General St. 
Clair took command. He, too, with an insufficient number 
of men, met defeat. 

The history of General Anthony Wayne's campaign is 
becoming familiar to the people. His cami^aign was a short 
one, extending only from April, 1792, to the treaty of Green- 
ville, August 3d, 1795. After one of the most successful 
campaigns known to history, and seeing the results of his 
work embraced in a treaty. General Wayne died at Fort 
Erie, December 15, 1796. 

Notwithstanding the signing of the treaty which gave to 
us for the second time the Northwest Territory, although the 
Greenville treaty was wholly with the Indians, but behind 
them was Great Britain, who after retiring, apparently, 
from American soil, secretly began to erect forts and to build 
ships and took possession and position on lines and in terri- 
tory other than those outlined in treaties. The Harrison 
campaign was the result of this underhand work, and the 
war of '12 followed. It was this war that made the Maumee 
Valley famous. 

You are familiar with the long siege of Fort Meigs, the 
unfortunate defeat of Colonel Dudley and his brave men, 
the erection of, Fort Industry, now the heart of this great 
metropolis All along the Maumee banks are historical 
spots which should be marked with monuments by the people 
of the United States, and particularly those of Ohio, in 
whose keeping and protection it would naturally belong. 

The victory of Wayne destroyed the Indian power as a 
power alone. The victory of Harrison destroyed the com- 
bined Indian and English power in the Northwest, and with 
the magnificent victory of Commodore Perry on the great 
lakes, permanent peace was established. 



Address. 27 

The Maimiee Valley became the scene of many of the 
most stirring events of an important historical era, and 
strange as it may seem, it is nevertheless true, that the 
series of events centering in this locality has almost been 
lost sight of by historians, and, but for the energy of the 
pioneers, almost forgotten. From the successful Wayne 
and Harrison cami^aigns followed the sturdy and adventur- 
ous pioneers, and the firm foundation upon which the struc- 
ture of civilization of Ohio was reared. Then followed 
speedily a population which established the character of the 
generations succeeding. You know the rapid advancement 
made in all lines of commercial enterprises, and that the 
proud record of Ohio within one hundred years has suggest- 
ed a desire to commemorate fittingly the epoch which would 
mark the end of a century's glorious history. 

Could the people of Ohio, yes, of the Northwest, have 
chosen a more fitting spot for holding an exposition for the 
purposes assigned, than the ground made sacred to the 
American people by the blood of over three thousand fallen 
brave heroes who are sleeping away the centuries unhonored 
and unsung in nameless and forgotten graves? Are the citi- 
zens of Toledo going to continue to live within themselves in 
a routine life of inactivity and permit these sacred spots on 
the banks of the Maumee to be unknown, unmarked and 
forgotten? 

I hold in my hand the original orders given by com- 
manders at Forts Greenville, Wayne and Meigs, l.also have 
in my possession the original "Muster-book" and "Pay- 
roll," with the names, rations allowed, etc., of men who en- 
listed in 1812, from Montgomery County, Ohio. These to- 
gether with many other valuable papers were preserved by 
the pioneers of Southern Ohio. Relics of various descrip- 
tions are also held by many of you who are anxious that 
they should be placed where they would be convenient to 
public inspection and preserved for all time. 

It is ho]3ed that new life and new energy will be awak- 
ened in the members of this Association ; that they may 
arouse greater public interest, national and local, which may 
result in the preservation and improvement, and the erec- 
tion of lasting monuments, if not on the battle fields, on the 
forts, so well i^reserved. 



28 The Maiimee Valley Pioneer Association. 



PASSING RACE. 



BY W. C. 



The setting sun spreads o'er the western sky, 
In golden hues and crowns the close of day ; 

In virgin beauty doth all nature lie, 

The whip-poor-will begins his evening lay. 

The heated air's disturbed by insects hum, 
Anon the partridges startling whir is heard. 

The river shimmers in the evening sun. 

The Indian village dog barks warning word. 

The hunter's loud returning shout is heard, 
• Welcome reply is made by village brave. 
A maiden's heart responds by inner word, 
A squaw's rude chant to son, a welcome gave. 

In stately mien the Indian treads the main. 
From sea to sea his steps untramelled are ; 

Dimly to him doth nature God proclaim 
By all the varied grandeur she doth wear. 

In the owl's wild hoot — in the panther's cry, 

From the graves of his fathers their inmates speak. 

The great spirit doth in the mountains lie 

Where the thunders roll and the storms do beat. 

The counsel fires are lit when day doth end, 

Round which the braves tell of the chase and war 

From which through doubt will faith contend, 
Of such as Pontiac earth's leaders are. 

A mound of earth — a legends darkened trace, 
A borrowed name for river, town or state, 

These time hath left to mark a passing race 
And shame the age for menial trust in fate. 



Memorial Address. 29 



ADDRESS 

Delivered by Col. R. S. Robertson, Before the Lawton Memor- 
ial Meeting in Fort Wayne, Ind., December, 26 1899. 



HENRY W. LAWTON, 

MAJOE GENEEAL U. S. VOLUNTEEES. 

BOEN 
MANHATTAN, OHIO, MAECH 17, 1843. 

DIED 
SAN MATEO, LUZON, DECEMBEE 18, 1899. 



His life, an eventful one, more so than usually falls to 
the lot of man, is of deep interest to us, because he was of 
us, known to many of us. Fort Wayne his home, the place 
he always called and was proud to call by that dear name, 
and which he gave as his residence whenever promoted, al- 
though it saw little of him for nearly forty years — the years 
he gave to the service of his country. 

His parents lived here, his father an honest, hard-work- 
ing millwright, whose handiwork was seen in all the old 
time grist mills for which Fort Wayne was famous half a 
century ago. 

Some have claimed that the young man worked also with 
his father at that trade, but this is improbable, because he 
himself has stated that he was in school up to the time he 
enlisted. 

That a boy such as he must have been, in order to be- 
come the man he was, would aid his father in a boyish way 
is probable, but the actual work as a millwright by young 
Lawton, is doubtless imagination and not a fact. 

Lawton was not a native of Fort Wayne, although his 
parents resided here for some years before his Inrth. The 
necessity for building or rebuilding a mill at Manhattan, 
now a suburb of Toledo, Ohio, took the parents there, and in 
that place, our hero first saw the light. Later, they lived at 
Maumee Oity, where his school life begun. 



30 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Then in 1850 the gold fever carried the father to Cali- 
fornia, and mother and son went to Lorain County. Two 
years later the family was reunited in Iowa, wliere they 
lived one year, and spent another year in Missouri, return- 
ing to Fort Wayne in 1855. 

In that year Lawton entered the Fort Wayne M. E. Col- 
lege as a student, remaining there until his country's call 
fell on willing and eager ears on the breaking out of the 
great rebellion. 

When the first blast of that terrible war tornado was 
felt, and the call for troops was made, Governor Morton in- 
stantly responded to the call for Indiana, and called meet- 
ings in the large towns of the State. Fort Wayne nobly and 
quickly responded, holding a meeting on the 18th of April, 
1861, three days from the issuing of the call. When the 
chairman announced that the meeting Avas for volunteers 
young Lawton was the first on his feet. Whether he was 
first to sign the roll I know not, as it was said there was 
scrambling and pushing to get to the desk first. 

Before the close of the meeting enough had responded 
to form three full companies. 

From that hour, with but a few months interruption, his 
life has been spent under the folds of "Old Glory," defend- 
ing its honor, sustaining its grandeur and increasing its 
lustre, until, on that sad morning in the faraway isles of 
the Orient seas, its star-gemmed, blood-bedewed, cerulean 
field was bullet rent, disclosing to his swift changing vision 
the glories of the Infinite beyond. 

The record he wrote with his sword upon the page of 
history, is a grand one — full of inspiration to all who love 
heroism, and who does not? 

The Company in which Lawton enlisted on that memor- 
able April day, chose as its captain William P. Segur, and 
left for Indianapolis at once. There it was mustered into 
the service of the LTnited States on the 24th of April, 1861, 
as Co, E,, of the Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, com- 
manded by Colonel, later Major General, Robert B. Milroy, 
still later, prominent in the politics of the State, and its 
Treasurer. 

It was the first regiment to leave Indiana for the seat of 



Memorial Address. 31 



war, then seemingly in West Virginia, leaving May 29th and 
arriving at Grafton June 1st. On the 3rd these raw recruits 
participated in the fight and capture of the rebel camp at 
Philippi. 

The regiment was then assigned to the brigade com- 
manded by General Morris of Indiana, and participated in 
all the marches and skirmishes of its brief but active cam- 
paign, and was engaged in the battles of Laurel Hill and 
Carrick's Ford, a record perhaps superior to that of all the 
Indiana regiments in the Spanish-American war. 

The regiment was mustered out by reason of expiration 
of its term of service July 29th, 1861, but reorganized for the 
three year's term under the same commander. Lawton, 
probably persuaded by his friends in Fort Wayne, and the 
prospect of having them with him in comradeship, assisted 
in raising a company for the Thirtieth Indiana Infantry, 
then being formed, and became First Lieutenant of Com- 
pany A. I 

This regiment was mustered into the service of the 
LTnited States September 24th, 1861, Avith Sion S. Bass, one 
of the founders of the Bass Foundry and Machine Works, as 
its Colonel. On the 9th of October it reported for duty to 
General Rosseau, and was assigned to McCook's Brigade, 
moving with Buell's army to Mumfordsville and Bowling 
Green, and in March, 1862, moved to Nashville. 

On the 7th of April it bore an honorable and conspicuous 
part in the great and momentous battle of Shiloh, where Col. 
Bass fell fatally wounded, dying in Paducah a few days 
later. The regiment lost in that engagement 129 in killed, 
wounded and missing. It then marched with Buell through 
Northern Alabama and Tennessee into Kentucky, and from 
there to Nashville. 

At Stone's River it fought desperately and bravely, 
losing 214 in killed, wounded and missing. The regiment, 
decimated as it was, lost 126 at Chickamauga soon after- 
wards. It participated in the numerous battles and skir- 
mishes of the Atlanta cami^aign, and Lawton won there in 
August, the Congressional Medal of Honor, conferred "for 
distinguished gallantry in leading a charge of skirmishers 
against the enemy's rifle pits, taking with them their occu- 



32 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Associotion. 

pants and stubbornly and successfully resistin«; two deter- 
mined attacks of the enemy to retake the works." 

Soon after the regiment performed garrison and camp 
duty at various stations until the muster out of those who 
did not re-enlist as veterans. On the 17th' day of May, 1862, 
a commission as Captain was issued for Lawton. He after- 
wards said of this event, "It was a lovely day in June, 1862, 
that my commission of Captain was handed to me. 

"When it was handed to me I would not have changed 
places with King or Kaiser. I was nineteen years old, and 
though my lip was bare as a girl's, I was a Captain in a 
fighting regiment. It was then that I felt that if I had a 
vocation for anything on earth it was the life of a soldier. 
Then and there I determined to make the service of my 
country my life's work." 

Those in authority must have agreed with his estimate 
and found the same opinion of the young hero's vocation, 
for when the non-veterans were mustered out at Atlanta, 
the veterans and recruits were organized into a Residuary 
Battalion of seven companies, and Lawton was promoted to 
the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and placed in command. 

The Battalion moved Northward with the 4th Corps to 
Nashville, and participated in the bloody battle of Frank- 
lin, moving thence in pursuit of the enemy to Huntsville, 
Alabama, and then to East Tennessee. Lawton was brev- 
eted Colonel for "gallant and meritorious services," Febru- 
ary 11th, 1865, and in June following was sent with the 4th 
Army Corps to Texas, where he served until after the close 
of the war. 

The Thirtieth had throughout a splendid fighting record. 
Fox, in his great work, "Regimental Losses in the Civil 
War," includes it in the list of 300 fighting regiments with 
favorable mention. It lost 12.1 per cent, of its total enlist- 
ment killed and wounded in battle. It lost a total per cent, 
of 36.5 in killed, wounded, missing, died of disease and in 
rebel prisons. 

Its greatest loss in one battle was at Stone's River, 
wiiere it had 31 killed, 110 w^ounded, and 72 missing, a total 
of 213. Its total death loss during its term of service was 



Memorial Address. 33 



It was a soldierly record, one of which its survivors 
should be i^roud, and Lawton was no small factor in making 
it. 

In 1864 he came home to Fort Wayne on a brief leave of 
absence, but long enough to be presented with a sword by 
admiring citizens, and to become a member of Harmony 
Lodge, L O. O. F.,and Summit City Lodge, F. & A. M. 
Later he became a member of Sion S. Bass Post, No. 40, 
G. A. R. 

In all of these he was a member in good standing at the 
time of his decease, and in each application for membership 
he gave his residence as Fort Wayne. In all his promotions 
he claimed the same place of residence in. the papers filed. 

On his muster out at the close of the war he returned to 
Fort Wayne and commenced the study of law in the office of 
Ninde & Taylor, but entered Harvard College as a student 
in 1865-(5. 

The military instinct, however, and the choice he had 
made four years before as to his vocation, impelled him to 
seek an appointment in the regular army, and he was com- 
missioned second Lieutenant in the 41st U. S. Infantry, July 
28th, 1866. 

After that his career was one of steady progress. Great 
of brain, level of head, in body an athlete, brave beyond 
comparison and devoted to his duties, such a man was cer- 
tain to win all the honors of a soldier or fill a soldier's grave. 
It was Lawton's fortune to do both. 

Promoted to First Lieutenant in 1867 ; transferred to 
the cavalry in 1871; promoted to a Captaincy in 1879 ; to a 
Majority in the Inspector General's Department in 1888; to 
Inspector General with rank of Lieutenant Colonel May 4th, 
1898, and Major General of U. S. Volunteers on the same 
date, with a Brigadier's commission in the Regular Army 
decided upon at the time of his death — this makes a record 
of which his family and friends may well be proud, but the 
details go further. 

As a Lieutenant of the 6th and Captain of the 4th Cav- 
alry, he was in the saddle for near a dozen years, in all the 
great Indian campaigns of the West and Southwest. 

Schooled under such eminent and renowned com- 



34 The Maum,ee Valley Pioneer Association. 



manders and Indian fighters as Crook, Miles and Mackenzie, 
he was soon recognized as himself a leader, and many a 
weary ride and many a long mile did this tireless Captain 
ride at the head of his gallant troopers, and many a battle 
did he and they fight to a finish, he sharing with his men in 
every toil, every privation and every danger. 

He was with Mackenzie in the Kiowa and Commanche 
Indian campaigns of 1873-4 in Texas, and later in the Wyo- 
ming Indian campaign, where he became known to the In- 
dians as "The man who gets up in the night te fight." 

In 1886 he was with Crook in the great campaign against 
the Apaches in the Southwest. This resulted in destroying 
the power of the tribe, but the worst element of it under the 
lead of Geronime remained hostile, committing unnameable 
atrocities on our border, hiding when pursued in the almost 
inaccessible strongholds of the mountains or slipping over 
into Mexico. At last the Mexican government and ours gave 
leave to the troops of either, to pursue the hostiles without 
regard to boundary lines. 

In my judgment, Lawton's greatest campaign was the 
one in which he relentlessly tracked down the wily Gero- 
nime, and compelled him and his bloodthirsty followers to 
surrender. * 

They made a peculiarly cruel and devastating raid upon 
the border settlements and fled to the Sierra Madre range, 
from whence they might at any time be expected to emerge 
and strike mercilessly in a new place. 

They did emerge in scattered bands, burning, pillaging 
and committing atrocities beyond description. The problem 
was how to chase them into their mountain retreats and an- 
nihilate or capture them. 

Miles himself, an experienced and remarkably success- 
ful Indian fighter, was commanding the department and had 
this problem to solve. Keeping troops in the field wherever 
raids might be expected, he looked around for someone to 
command a picked force for the special duty of penetrating 
the mountain fastnesses and bringing the hostiles to bay. 

He says, himself, that for some time he was undecided 
as to the personnel of the pursuing party, and visited a num- 
ber of the frontier posts before he made his choice. I quote, 



Memorial Address. 35 



"at length I selected from Fort Huachuca an officer by the 
name of Captain li. W. LaAvton, 4th U. 8. Cavalry, who I 
thought, would fulfil all the requirements as Commander, 
First of all, because he l)elieved that these Indians could be 
subjugated. * * * 

Although he recognized their great skill, cunning and 
physical strength he believed they could be met and de- 
feated by studying and improving' upon their own methods. 

He had made himself a splendid record during the war 
of the rebellion, and also a fine record on the frontier, had 
been one of General McKenzie's most zealous supporters 
and possessed all the experience necessary to the command 
of such a force. 

He was physically, perhaps, as fine a specimen of man 
as could be found. He weighed two hundred and thirty 
pounds, was well proportioned, straight, active, agile, full 
of energy, stood six feet five inches in height, and was with- 
out a superfluous pound of flesh. His bone, muscle, sinew 
and nerve power was of the finest texture. It was said that 
he could take up an ordinary man and throw him a rod. A 
giant in stature, he had a bright, handsome face and was in 
the i^rime of life. I informed him of what I desired, and he 
was delighted at the opportunity for making the effort, 
and undertaking the enterprise, although it involved hard- 
ship and labor, and required reckless courage to meet the 
dangers to be encountered." 

With Lawton went another Captain, who was destined 
later to achieve rank and fame, both as deserved as that 
which came to Lawton, Leonard Wood, noAV Major General 
U. S. Volunteers, and Governor General of Cuba. 

The other officers and the soldiers of the command were 
carefully selected for fidelity, endurance and tenacity of 
purpose, and of them all, Miles says, "I doubt whether there 
was ever a finer collection of men and officers, for the num- 
ber gathered in one command." 

Harassed and in fear of the activity of the several de- 
tatchments, Geronimo had disappeared from ken, and Law- 
ton was convinced he had retired to gain the great strong- 
hold in the Sierra Madres, and at once inaugurated his pur- 
suit. For three months he pursued them from one range of 



36 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

mountains to another, scaling peaks from nine thousand to 
ten thousand feet above the sea, and down into canons so 
deep that the heat was almost unendurable. 

During this time the command marched 1,396 miles. 
The Indians had burned the grass, and the water they found 
was thick, slimy and often putrid, so that the troops suf- 
fered greatly. The ground was either hot sand, covered 
with the thorny cacti, or sharpened flints, and everywhere 
was the venomous rattlesnake, with other poisonous reptiles. 
The mountain passes were mere paths, where danger lurked 
in every turn. When horses gave out they went on foot. 
When shoes were worn out they went barefoot. When their 
clothing tore off, they tied the rags about them and marched 
nearly naked. When the meat gave out they killed a deer 
occasionally, and occasionally a mule. Wood describes the 
last of their bacon as being so thin it had hair on both sides. 

In all this terrible chase Lawton led, sharing every 
hardship, ragged and footsore like his men. 

Once they thought him dying, poisoned from eating 
from a can of corned beef, which had fermented. For hours 
his life was in the balance, but his splendid constitution 
brought him through, and his command again rang out, 
"forward.'^ 

When they reached the Yaqui River country it became 
impossible to use cavalry, and the march was continued on 
foot in intense heat. 

At last Geronimo was brought to bay. On one side- 
Mexican troops, on the other, ours. He was in a quandry 
when Lieutenant Gatewood, unattended, walked into his 
camp. At first he was threatened, but convinced the 
chief that parley was the better course, and at last he 
agreed to come to Lawton. When he came in he threw his 
arms about Lawron, saying, "you are the man I want 
to talk with." The result of that talk was that Geronimo 
and his band returned with Lawton to Miles' headquarters, 
the two forces camping side by side on the march, and on 
arrival unconditionally surrendered. 

Although the command had been picked with the great- 
est care, of those who started on that wonderful campaign, 
only Lawton and Wood remained in at the capture. The 



Memorial Address. 37 



rest had succumbed to the hardships of the march and had 
been replaced by others. 

The Indian border wars were ended. Since that mem- 
orable march peace has reigned along that frontier. 

And yet, after all this grand record, this heroic service 
in the War of the Rebellion and on the frontier, when we 
asked to have him made a Brigadier for tlie Spanish War^ 
men high in station and authority were asking us "who is 
Lawton?" 

The question is answered so that "]ie who runs may 
read" — if he can read. 

But he was appointed and was in command of the 
Division which added El Caney and Santiago to the list of 
victorious battle fields of the republic. 

Promoted to the rank of Major General of Volunteers, 
he went to the Phillipines, assuming command of a Division, 
and remained with it almost constantly in the field perform- 
ing similar feats to those of the Sierra Madre campaign, pen- 
etrating sections, which appeared inaccessible, and routing 
Aguinaldo and his . treacherous followers completely. Of 
this the Secretary of War said, "The swift and resistless 
movement of his column up the Rio Grande and across the 
northern boundary of the plains of central Luzon, which had 
just been completed, was the chief factor in the destruction 
of the insurgent power and was the crowning achievement of 
his arduous life." 

His life, up to that time, had seemed a charmed one. 
Exposing himself with a bravery almost amounting to reck- 
lessness, he had escaped almost unscarred, but one morning, 
not long ago, wliile leading his men once more to victory at 
San Mateo, he fell with the shouts of victorious followers 
ringing in his ears, though perhaps unheard, and died, a 
martyr to his country's cause — died in the hour of success, 
doubtless a final success. He had often expressed the wish 
to "die with his boots on," and that wish kind fate had reg- 
istered and regarded. 

It seems strange that the hour of victory should so often 
be saddened by so great a sacrifice. 

So Lincoln died. When the wdiite wings of the Angel 
of Peace were once more hovering over our distracted land, 



38 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

the great Lincoln fell by the hand of treachery and assassi- 
nation. 

And so Lawton fell, for it was as snrely through treach- 
ery that he met his death as did Lincoln. 

During the great Civil War there were found men of 
the north who gave su.cli aid and comfort to the enemy that 
they prolonged the war and caused much suffering and 
slaughter. We called them "Copperheads" then without 
thinking that the snake might not like it. 

The same class of men, and, unfortunately, some of 
them in high social and even othcial station, are repeating 
that treasonable history. 

At the hour when the cable was telling of Law ton's 
death, a senator from a great and loyal state was on his feet 
offering a resolution, which can have no possible effect but 
to carry aid and comfort to a savage band bearing arms 
against our Government and flag. 

What shall we call them? The poor copperhead has had 
enough to endure, and I know of nothing else fit for com- 
parison. 

I think in this I am voicing Lawton's sentiments, for in 
a letter written by him to a friend, and read at the banquet 
of the New England Society in New York last Friday, he said : 
"If the whole truth of the Phillipine situation could be 
known by everyone in America, as I know it, and the influ- 
ences that encouraged the enemy could be understood at 
home, as I understand them, there would be no more talk of 
"shooting government into the Filipinos," or of "hauling 
down our flag." Continuing, he adds this significant sen- 
tence, "If I am shot by a Filipino bullet, it might as well 
come from one of my own men, because I know from obser- 
vations, confirmed by captured prisoners, that the continu- 
ance of fighting is chiefly due to reports sent from America." 

These almost dying words, should bring remorse and re- 
pencence to the hearts of all engaged in this work of encour- 
agement of our enemies, and cause them to reflect upon the 
words of an eminent statesman and patriot : 

"My Country, may she be always right, but right or 
wrong. My Country." 

When our flag is assailed, it is the duty of every citizen 



Memorial Address. 



to uphold it. There will be time to express adverse opinions 
later, and later, you may not care to express them. 

It may be difficult to tell whether the bullet which 
struck down the gallant Lawton was directed from the sen- 
ate chamber, or from the private office of a traitor in Bos- 
ton. They may divide the infamy if they choose. 

This great loss is ours — the Nation's, not Lawton's. We 
should not and would not wish to call him back. 

After a life well spent, after a record full of good deeds, 
after a name has been written as high as it can be on the 
scroll of a nation's heroes, what better death can come to a 
brave soldier than to be- suddenly stricken on the field of 
battle ; to close one's eyes and ears on the scenes of blood 
and carnage, and sounds of battle, or shouts of victory, and 
open them to see "sAveet fields beyond the swelling flood," 
and hear the music of the stars as they sing together? 

We mourn and are glad ; mourn for a departed friend 
and hero, are glad that the wearied warrior has laid off his 
armor, and is at rest. 

I feel it a privilege to have known him, to have aided 
him and to have shared his friendship even in a slight de- 
gree. Others here knew him better than I, but all will 
agree with me, that his life was stainless and that he was as 
great in heart as in body and brain. 

He was a loving husband, a tender and indulgent father. 
That great giant of a man, that great giant among heroes 
could be tender and loving as a child. 

Have we not all read that his wife and family were al- 
ways as near to him as the exigencies and dangers of the ser- 
vice would permit? Is it the least to be remembered that 
only a few hours before Death found him, and while he was 
beckoning him to come, that big, brave commander tenderly 
kissed wife and little ones in a. last farewell, as he gaily rode 
away on the trail to immortality, through the gateway of a 
bloody grave? 

"Ah soldier, to your honored rest. 

Your truth and valor bearing, 
The bravest are the tenderest. 

The loving are the daring." 



40 The Mawmee Valley Pioneer Association. 



PHOTOGRAPH BY FALK, N. Y. 




THE LATEST AND BEST PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN IN AMERICA OF MAJOR-GENERAL 
HENRY W. LAWTON, KILLED NEAR MANILA, DECEMBER i8, BY FILIPINO INSURGENTS 



General Lawton'' s Birth Place. 41 



GEN. LAWTON^S BIRTH PLACE. 



House is Still Standing in Lower Town, but not on the Spot it 

Stood when Lawton was Born — Incidents of his 

Maumee Life. 



Tlie house is still standing in Toledo in which General 
Lawton was born. At that time (in 1843) it stood on the 
northeast corner of Summit avenue and Columbus street. 
The exact spot is now occupied by the steel grain tanks of 
the Manhattan mills. At that time a water-mill stood in the 
hollow, the water to drive it being taken from the canal. 
The elder Lawton Avas a millwright, and was employed in 
that capacity at the time of the General's birth. 

Later the house, whose heavy frame-work is still in ex- 
cellent condition, was purchased and moved to its present 
location, 710 Buckeye street, Toledo, and it has not mater- 
ially changed from the way it appeared when the elder Law- 
ton occupied it. That portion of the present city was then 
called Manhattan, but it long ago merged its identity into 
that of Toledo. 

Very shortly after the birth of General Lawton, his 
father removed to Maumee, where he lived for some ten 
years. He was employed in constructing or running the 
flouring mills there, of which there were five. Mrs. Lawton 
died when the General was an infant, and Mrs. E. D. Moore, 
who still resides in Maumee, took care of the baby for years. 
In fact, she was a second mother to him during his boyhood. 
The house in which the Lawtons lived in Maumee is now 
owned by Mr. John A. Moore, who resides at the corner of 
Jefferson and Twelfth streets, Toledo. Mr. Moore purchased 
the property from General Lawton's father. 

The old Lawton house in Maumee has a southerly front- 
age, and large maple and ash trees screen it from the hot 
rays of the summer sun. If the homestead was anywhere 
near as inviting when young Lawton lived in it, as it is now, 
his home must have been a happy one. The residence is of 



42 The Matimee Valley Pioneer Association. 

two stories and partakes of old colonial architecture. The 
front portion is square, with a small porch overlooking the 
street. A story and a half rear wing runs back into the 
well-kept yard perhaps forty feet. The Maumee belt and 
Blue Line cars pass the door, and the house can be picked 
out from its neighbors in the hurried rush by on the electric 
car. The Lawton home is in a westerly direction from the 
old court house, about half way between that historic build- 
ing and the little city. 

Mrs. Moore remem1)ers that the " boy," then only about 
seven or eight years of age, got into just as much mischief as 
any other boy. He tormented Mrs. Moore and was punished 
for his little tricks exactly in the same way boys who have 
not become generals, and noted men, have been punished by 
strict though fond parents or guardians. 

"He was often locked up in one of the bedrooms, and 
then he would kick and storm as though he was about to 
tear the house down," is what she says of him in his boyish 
days. 

Mr. Frank T. Lane, business manager of The Blade, was 
a playmate of the late General Lawton. 

As boys, Mr. Lane and the distinguished soldier were 
residents of Maumee, Mr. Lane says : 

"I cannot remember that there was anything particular- 
ly remarkable about the youth of Lawton. He was an ordi- 
nary boy. 

"I remember him very well. We were together from 
the time we were seven until we were ten. We were about 
the same age, I think. I distinctly remember that we wore 
checked aprons, like boys did in these days. We went to 
the same school and in the same room. 

"No, as I said, I can not remember that he was different 
than other boys. I carry in my memory a vivid picture of 
him as he was when a boy. 

"I also well recollect the General's father. He was a 
man of herculean frame, over six feet tall, and magnificently 
proportioned. Our family attended the Presbyterian church 
in Maumee, and the Lawton pew was directly in front of 
ours, and my recollection of the father is especially vivid as 
he appeared in church." 



Address. 43 



ADDRESS 

By Hon. J. H. Brigham, at Delta, August 30, 1899. 



Ladies and Gentlemen: 

It is to be regretted that we cannot hear, on this occa- 
sion, from one of those wlio settled in the Maumee Valley 
when the woodman's ringing axe had wakened no echoes 
here ; when withifi tlie forest lurked the wolf and coursed 
the bounding deer. But of these brave old pioneers not one 
remains to tell of the dangers and hardships met and over- 
come with a heroism that should win the respect of all. 

The remorseless harvester has gathered everj^one, and 
we are forced to call upon those who appeared upon the 
scene at a later date. And much as we respect those who 
have passed on to other fields, I am sure that no one here 
present regrets the fact that he was not here with the first. 

We have with us however, those who have lived in the 
valley for more than the usual period a^llotted to man, and 
we hope that time will deal so gently with them that we 
may meet them for years to come, in these annual gather- 
ings. 

It is not my purpose to give a history of the times which 
tried men's souls. This has been ably done on previous oc- 
casions. I shall only try to give some personal remin- 
iscences and pay such tribute as I can to those who turned 
this wilderness, peopled with wild beasts and wilder men, 
and filled with malaria, into the paradise that it is today. 
The wild beasts, the wild men, the forests, swamps and mal- 
aria are all gone, and no more peaceful, prosperous homes, 
or healthier clime, can now be found in any land. 

In the Spring of 1852, I passed through the streets of 
Delta with my father's family, on our way to the little log 
cabin in the woods southwest of Wauseon, which was to be 
our home until a more commodious structure could be erect- 
ed. Delta was then a thriving little village. I remember 
that we paid toll at the gate east of town, and that Hon. 
Octavius Waters met us in front of his store and gave us a 



44 The Maurnee Valley Pioneer Association. 

hearty welcome to Fulton County. We were hospitably en- 
tertained at dinner time at the home of George Taft, one 
mile east of Wauseon, the site of which was then an un- 
broken forest. 

We crossed the long corduroy south of the site of 
Wauseon, composed of huge logs with no dirt covering, with- 
out any premonition that the shaking we received was 
nothing to what was to follow before we became acclimated. 
We were soon located in our little cabin out of sight of 
any other house, and commenced the battle for a home. And 
what a battle it was. The rich soil was covered Avith giant 
trees, which, if st;inding today, would be worth more than 
the farms with all their improvements. But then there was 
no railroad near us, and the price paid for lumber would 
barely pay the cost of handling. Soon, however, we heard 
rumors of a railroad to be built, which was soon followed by 
surveyors and axemen who cut a narrow trail through the 
forest where the "Air Line" was soon after built. 

I remember how we boys squinted up that narrow trail 
and wondered if the iron horse would really come thunder- 
ing through that dense forest. What a time we did have 
when the first locomotive wakened the echoes at Wauseon, a 
town located right in the woods by some of our speculative 
friends who were on good terms with the railroad company. 
The rapid growth of the new tow n excited the jealousy 
of some of the older ones. I remember a few lines from a 
poem written by Hollister, then a resident of Ottokee, and 
connected, I think, with the county paper, which gives an 
idea of the views entertained by the citizens of the county 
seat located upon the Sand. I have already quoted a few 
lines and can only give disconnected verses or parts of verses 
that I remember : 

"Like Jonah's gourd has grown 

The pride and boast of all the west. 

Our glorious Wauseon. 
(After a reference to the roar of Mad Anthony's guns,) 
"Her streets ne'er flowed knee deep in blood. 

No carnage here was done, 

But full knee-deep in unstoried mud, 

Stands peaceful Wauseon. 



Address. 45 

(He closes in a friendly spirit as follows :) 
"So here's all hail to Wauseon, 
All hail her people too, 
Who through old Clinton's realms of mud 
Their boots to glory drew." 

The building of the railroad gave new impulse to the de- 
velopment of the country. "Ne'er-do-wells" sold out to 
more enthusiastic persons. 

The first settlers, who were industrious and thrift}^, 
reaped a harvest of gold from the new comers who had to 
buy their supplies until they could clear land and raise 
them. The country that had been "passed by on the other 
side," by men who heard awful tales of the "black swamp," 
soon became the chosen land of those who were seeking for 
fertile soil and a favorable location near a market. And 
those who were fortunate enough to secure a quarter sec- 
tion or more have never had cause to regret it. It is true 
that we had sickness and often made the puncheon floors 
rattle as we shook with ague chills. I remember that one 
year every one in our neighborhood, except one little boy, 
had a turn at chills and fever, and Dr. Ramsey was kept 
busy riding the trails that led to these humble homes. But 
fortunately, the ague, even when assisted by the doctor, did 
not prove a fatal sickness, and as the bills for medical service 
were much less than they now are, the patients soon recov- 
ered from the effects of both. 

There had been much strife between the various towns 
near the mouth of the Maumee, as to which should 
be the "future great." Much that was uncom- 
plimentary was said and written of Toledo, but it soon 
became evident that the "frog pond" was to win the prize. 
I remember well the excursions given over the Air Line, and 
the present beautiful and prosperous city bears little re- 
semblance to the town of fifty-three and four. 

We are to-day justly proud of the now famous Maumee 
Valley, but while we enjoy to the fullest extent its many 
advantages, we should not forget the brave, heroic men and 
women who cleared away the forests, drained the swamps 
and transformed an inhospitable wilderness into the Garden 



46 The Maiiniee Yalley Pioneer Assoeiafh 



of America. We revere the memory of those brave men 
who fought the bloody battles that wrested from the savage 
red mail and his foreign allies this rich heritage. We should 
teach our children to tread lightly Avith uncovered heads, 
around the graves of tliese sleeping heroes. Beautiful mon- 
uments should be erected to mark the places where brave 
men died that we might enjoy peace and safety. 

We all join in commending heroes who have offered 
their lives upon the altar of their country, when war's 
alarms have come to our beloved land. We can not do too 
much to sliow our appreciation of the brave deeds of our 
heroes in war, luit I am not afraid to say on this occasion, 
that the men and women who settled in the Maumee Valley 
and fought out life's great battle here, were as brave as the 
bravest. They did not depend upon the government for 
raiment and rations, but when the flood or untimely frosts 
destroyed their crops, or their cattle Avandered away or, died 
of murrain, they had no recourse except themselves. When 
the meat and potatoes gave out and the meal sack was 
empty, the husband and father shouldered his bag of corn, 
if, indeed, he could find one to shoulder — and walked twenty 
or more miles to mill and returned witli the grist to his hun- 
gry wife and children. No money — nothing that would sell 
for money. None of the luxuries we enjoy now without 
thought — no fruit, no ice in summer, and salt an expensive 
article, hard to obtain. 

Huddled together in a cabin, with a single room that 
served for kitchen, sitting room' parlor, and bed room, they 
sturdily Avrought out the problem they had undertaken to 
solve. And even under such conditions this was no "wilder- 
ness of woe." There was always room for the schoolmaster 
and friend in these cabins. There was not much privacy 
in retiring or arising, l)ut nol:)ody was shocked. No excuses 
were made when a guest was seated at a table with nothing 
on it to eat except johnny cake and a very little fat pork or 
game. It was the best they could otter and Avith it went a 
hearty welcome. These were humble homes and they were 
plain people, but they reared therein sons and daughters 
that were true and patriotic worthy citizens. Here no call 
to arms by the nation has fallen on ears that would not hear. 



Address. 47 

In this Valley the sons of these brave old sires have followed 
the flag wherever it has been unfurled to the breeze, and 
they will defend it against the assaults of every foe, whether 
he be fighting at the front or giving aid and comfort to the 
enemy from a safer place in the rear. We can never pay 
the debt we owe to the old pioneer, but we can show our res- 
pect for their memory, and also our appreciation of the sons 
and daughters who still live in ripe old age in our midst. 

Some of the young and thoughtless ones may laugh at 
their old fashioned ways — may call them "way-backs," old 
fogies, etc., — remarks that do no credit to the heads or 
hearts of persons who should be only too glad to acknowl- 
edge the debt we owe. 

God grant that coming generations may prove as pat- 
riotic and true to the principles of truth and justice as the 
old pioneer and his immediate descendant. If this shall be 
the case, no patriot need "tremble for the future of his coun- 
try when he remembers that God is just." 



48 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



ADDRESS 

Of Welcome at Delta, Ohio, by J. C. Paxton. 



Mr. Chairman. Pioneers of the Maumee Valley., Li.dies and 

Gentlemen: 

Once more you have gathered in your annual reunion, 
and perhaps there is no place within the borders of Fulton 
County that is more meet that such a gathering should as- 
semble than here in Delta, the oldest village in our County. 
Sixty-seven years ago no white man had as yet reared his 
abode within the present limits of Fulton County, and 
less than a century ago the only white inhabitants of the 
whole Valley were a few men that had come here, not to 
make this their permanent abode, but for the purpose of 
barter with the Indians who then inhabited this region. But 
to-day all is changed and we behold the Valley covered with 
beautiful farms and dotted here and there with tasty vil- 
lages ; and when to-day I look into the faces of so many of 
the men and women who have helped to make these changes, 
no words of mine can convey to you the welcome that our 
citizens feel for you to-day. When we think of the men and 
women who have in three-fourths of a century changed this 
Valley from a howling wilderness to a very garden, the men 
and women who dared to break loose from civilization and 
push their way into the dense forest inhabited by wild and 
savage beasts and still more savage men, for our history is 
not without its records of Indian atrocities, when we think 
of the men and women who in less than three-fourths of a 
century have changed Toledo from a muddy Indian trading 
post to the Centennial City of 1093, the most beautiful city 
in the state; no words of mine can express the kindly feel- 
ing we have for you to-day. We welcome you to our homes. 
We welcome you to our village. We welcome you to our 
hearts. Delta has long been noted for her hospitality, but 
she never extended a more hearty greeting to any assembly, 
than she does to-day to the Pioneers of the Maumee Valley. 
We welcome you. 



Memorial. 49 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

STILLMAN BROWN. 



Toledo lost one of her best citizens when Stillman Brown 
died, suddenly on tlie morning of Tuesday, June 15th, 1900, 
in his Miami street home. Death was entirely unexpected. 
While he had been troubled for some time with indigestion 
and consequent infirmities to such an extent that he contem- 
plated a trip to Mt. Clemens, still his condition excited no 
alarm. On the morning of his death, he had ordered his 
carriage for a drive, and while waiting for it, went to the 
bath room. In the yard before he entered the bath room, he 
remarked to his daughter, "See how my hand trembles." 
She noticed at the time that he looked pale. The carriage 
waited so long for him that his wife became alarmed, and 
knocked several times on the bath room door, receiving no 
answer. Through the keyhole she could see his figure, but 
could get no answer to her calls. She summoned the servant 
who climbed in through the window and found Mr. Brown 
unconscious; in fact he was probably dead at that time. 
Physicians were hurriedly summoned, but on their arrival 
pronounced life to be extinct. 

The funeral took place Sunday afternoon, June 17. The 
members of Toledo Commandery No. 7, Knights Templars, 
had charge of the funeral ceremonies. The deceased was a 
member of the Commandery, and also of Rubicon Lodge F. 
and A. M. During the years of his connection with Toledo 
Commandery, it was noted that he seldom missed a meeting 
or failed to attend a funeral of a brother member. He was 
an active and enthusiastic Knight Templar, and his brother 
Knights will take a sorrowful satisfaction in rendering him 
in full the honors of the fraternity. 

The wife and eight children are left. By his first mar- 
riage with Miss Mary M. Fisher, of Wooster, there were four 
children, Albert L., Stephen S., Orvill© G. and Laura M« 



50 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

By the second marriage with Miss Gertrude Lawton, of New 
York state, who survives him, there were five children, Ger- 
trude L. , Gordon L., Siloam G., Alice and Gessner, the lat- 
ter of whom died in infancy. 

Stillman Brown was 71 years of age, having been born 
in Lamoille county, Vermont, on March 17, 1829. His an- 
cestors came to this country while the colonies were yet very 
young and settled in Massachusetts. Both the father and 
mother of the deceased were buried in Forest cemetery. Mr. 
Brown was educated in Vermont, receiving a good common 
school education. At 18 years of age he went to Boston and 
embarked in business, buying and shipping stock for his 
brother. After several successful years in Boston, he decid- 
ed to try the west and came to Toledo. In 1856 he entered 
into partnership here with his cousin, D. A. Brown, and the 
firm became Avidely known in the stock business. As own- 
ers of the Toledo stock yards they accummulated a consider- 
able fortune, a large part of which Stillman Brown invested 
in Toledo real estate, which he still held at the time of his 
death. He had for some time been out of active business. 
He was one of the best known and most widely esteemed 
citizens of Toledo, and the intelligence of his sudden death 
created universal regret in all parts of the city. In private 
and business life he was known as an honorable, upright 
gentleman, whose integrity and righteousness of purpose 
were never questioned. 



Memorial. 51 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

DOAN BLINN. 



{From Toledo Blade of January 23rd^ 1900. 



Nathaniel Doan Blinn, commercial agent of the Nickel 
Plate, and a well-known citizen of the Maumee Valley, was 
stricken with appoplexy on the afternoon of January 20, 
1900, and died soon after reaching his home, 1541 Huron 
street, Toledo. Deceased had a desk in the office of Mr. 
J. S. Kountz on the first floor of the Produce Exchange in 
Toledo. The funeral services were held from the home on 
the afternoon of January 23. 

Mr. Blinn was born on May 4, 1836, at Perryshurg, and 
was the son of Judge Nathaniel Blinn, who had settled in 
that village ten years before, and taken part in the construc- 
tion of the turnpike between Perrysburg and Fremont. De- 
ceased was educated in the Perrysburg schools and in '53 
went into the wholesale house of Blinn & Jennison as clerk. 
Later he took a position in J. S. Norton's bank, and from 
there went to Ottawa, where he engaged in the restaurant 
business. In 1862 he removed to Toledo, and after a brief 
clerkship in a wholesale house, entered the Wabash freight 
ofiice as chief clerk. Later he was appointed commercial 
agent of the Baltimore & Ohio, and also manager of the 
Globe freight line. For the last 20 years he has held the 
responsible position of commercial agent of the Nickel 
Plate. 

In 1858 Mr. Blinn was married to Miss E. Louise Seabert, 
of Perrysburg, who, with three children, survive — Charles H. 
Blinn, auditor of the Birmingham & Atlantic, with head- 
quarters at Talledega, Ala. ; Seabert H. Blinn, cashier for 
Berdan & Co., and M. Louise Blinn. 

Deceased was one of the most popular and widely known 
men in Toledo. He had a keen sense of humor, and was 
never so happy as wh©n relating a Joke or telling a good 



52 The Matimee Valley Pioneer Association. 

story. On these occasions he never lacked auditors, for few 
men could tell a story in a more graphic and attractive man- 
ner than Doan Blinn. 

Gen. Kountz, who was a life-long friend of Mr. Blinn, 
pays the following tribute to his memory : 

"He occupied the same office, in the Produce Exchange, 
with me for nearly 20 years, and I have enjoyed his friend- 
ship so long that his death comes to me as a personal grief. 

"He was thoughtful, kind and affectionate, and retain- 
ed the life-long friendship of those who knew him inti- 
mately. 

"One of his beautiful characteristics Avas his great love 
for children. My little ones were exceedingly fond of him, 
and I am sure they will not soon forget his tenderness and 
goodness. 

"Doan Blinn was faithful to every interest committed 
to his care, and won the confidence and trust of all with 
whom he was associated, and it can be truthfully said of him 
that in all his relations of life he was the soul of honor." 



MemoriaL SB 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

ROBERT BARBER. 



Robert Barber, one of the best known citizens of Toledo, 
died at his beautiful suburban home, 1609 Miami street, To- 
ledo, at 9 o'clock July 30th, 1899, after an illness extending 
over many months. 

Robert Barber was born near Wellsville, Columbiana 
county, Ohio, November 5, 1827. When about 20 years of 
age he came to Wood county, afterwards moving to Perrys- 
burg, where, on Christmas day, 1855, he was married to Miss 
Emeline Adams, who, with seven children, survive him. 
The eldest son died some years ago. The other children are : 
Dr. L. L. Barber, Albert A., Miss Josephine L., Miss Clara, 
Mrs. A. A. Hill, Herbert A. and Miss Neva, all residing in 
Toledo, the younger son and three unmarried daughters all 
living at the family homestead, which is known far and wide 
for its picturesque beauty, and has been so frequently ad- 
mired by those who have made the trip around the Perrys- 
burg belt. A brother of the deceased, James Barber, now 
some 76 years of age, lives near Holland, Ohio. 

The subject of this sketch was one of the first in the 
employ of the old Smith Bridge Company, Toledo, which 
some years ago lost its identity in the Toledo Bridge Co. He 
began as a common laborer, was steadily advanced to the 
superintendency of the plant, and then the vice-presidency, 
which he held for many years, retiring from active business 
life some seven or eight years ago. He was a heavy stock- 
holder in the Smith Bridge Company, along with R. W. 
Smith, J. J. Swigart, W. S. Daley, John A, Hamilton and 
Andrew J. Sprague. At the time of his death he was a 
stockholder in the National Bank of Commerce, East Side 
Banking Company, Toledo Metal Wheel Company, South- 
east Toledo Can Company, and other industrial and commer- 
cial enterprises of Toledo, making his investments in the 



54 The Mawrnee Valley Pioneer Assooiation. 

city in whose future he always firmly and devoutly believed. 

Mr. Barber lived in Toledo 45 years ago. He helped to 
build all the locks in the Miami and Erie Canal between To- 
ledo and Cincinnati, in which work he was associated with 
the late A. L. Backus. After a residence of some years in 
Toledo he moved back into Wood county, where he ran a 
sawmill. In 1866, however, he returned to Toledo, where he 
has resided ever since, and during that entire period at the 
home where he died, in which vicinity he at one time owned 
a magnificent farm extending back over nearly 400 acres. 

Many of the older residents will recall the rebuilding of 
the Mitchell & Rowland plant a number of years ago, which 
was desired within a very limited period, and which no one 
would undertake, until Robert Barber consented to do the 
work', provided he could be furnished the number of men he 
desired. The contract was performed so much to the satis- 
faction of the well known lumber firm that the contractor 
was given a liberal bonus in cash, and i3resented with a 
handsome watch. 

He was at one time a member of the Board of Aldermen 
of Toledo, but declined ever thereafter to be a candidate or 
accept the nomination for any political ofiice. 

Deceased was for many years a devout member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and at the time of death be- 
longed to the Clark Street M. E. Church, on the East Side, 
the erection of which edifice was largely due to his efforts 
and contributions. For some 20 years he was identified with 
Rubicon Lodge, F. and A. M., but upon the institution of 
Yondota Lodge on the East Side, he dimited to that body. 

The funeral services were held from the family home on 
Tuesday afternoon at 2 :00 o'clock, conducted by Revs. Hold- 
ing and Baumgardner. Interment took place at Woodlawn. 



Memorial. S5 



MEMORIAL 

OF 

JUDGE CUMMINGS. 



Judge Joseph W. Cummings died at his residence, 1904 
Jefferson street in Toledo, December 18, 1899, after an ill- 
ness of nine weeks. He was a sufferer from chronic liver 
complaint. The funeral was held at the residence on the af- 
ternoon of December 20th. 

Judge Cummings was one of the best known attorneys 
of Toledo, having lived there 29 years. He was the senior 
member of the firm of Cummings & Lott, and, during his 
residence in Toledo, has occupied the bench at police and 
probate courts. 

Mr. Cummings was born near Mansfield 63 years ago. 
When eight years of age his parents moved to Indiana where 
he received his early education. He entered Ontario col- 
lege, taking up the study of law and was graduated with high 
honors. After being admitted to the bar, he practiced in 
the Indiana courts, and was appointed United States district 
attorney for the northern district of Indiana. In 1870, he 
came to Toledo and took up the practice of law. He was 
elected police judge, serving two terms, and afterwards was 
elected probate judge, which office he held for two terms. 
After leaving this office, he associated himself with Sherman 
Lott in the practice of law. 

For some time Mr. Cummings has been forced to relin- 
quish his practice owing to the illness that caused his death. 
He was probably one of the best known men of the Toledo 
bar and was held in high esteem by his fellow attorneys. 

Mr^ Cummings leaves a wife, a son and a daughter. 



56 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

C. F. CURTIS. 



Once more death has invaded the ranks of Toledo's pio- 
neer citizens, thj^s time removing the well-known and highly 
esteemed business man, Mr. Charles F. Curtis, who passed 
away at the family residence on Cherry street, Toledo, Feb- 
ruary 20, 1900. 

Mr. Curtis had been ailing for some time and his death 
was due mainly to the natural wearing out of the vital 
forces, as the result of old age. 

Deceased was born on February 19, 1821, at Victor, On- 
tario county. New York, and was therefore 79 years and 1 
day old. He moved to Toledo in 1851 and soon afterwards 
engaged in the construction of the Michigan Southern & 
Northern Indiana railroad, now known as the old line of the 
Lake Shore & Michigan Southern. 

In 1853, Mr. Curtis, in connection with Benjamin Fol- 
som and August Thomas, formed the firm of B. Folsom & 
Co., and constructed the first 71 miles out of Toledo of what 
is now known as the Air Line division of the Lake Shore & 
Michigan Southern road. 

On May 1, 1857, Mr. Curtis, with August Thomas, form- 
ed the firm of Curtis & Thomas, and engaged in the lumber 
trade. This firm, as originally organized, continued until 
1862, when W. S. Brainard, a former bookkeeper, was ad- 
mitted to partnership, and the firm name was changed to 
Curtis, Thomas & Co. 

Immediately after the death of Mr. Thomas, in 1868, the 
firm was again changed, taking the name of Curtis & Brain- 
ard, which has continued until the present time. 

Mr. Curtis, at the time of his death, was president of the 
Toledo Savings Bank & Trust Company, and a director of 
both the First National and the Holcomb National banks. 

He was a man of large business affairs. In all his finan- 



Memorial. 57 



cial uadertakiiigs, lie was eniiiieiitly successful, and his long 
business career was characterized for sterling integrity and 
sound judgment. As a citizen, a business man and a Chris- 
tian, he leaves behind him a record worthy of imitation. He 
was one of the oldest members of Trinity church, and for a 
number of years just previous to his death had held the of- 
fice of vestryman in that parish. In his death, both the 
church and business community sustain a loss which is sim- 
ply beyond estimate. 

Mr. Curtis was first married to Miss Julia Moore, of 
Victor, N. Y. She died at Bryan, O., in 1854, leaving a 
daughter. He married again in 1894 Mrs. Mary Burkhead, 
widow of the late T. H. Burkhead, by whom he is survived 
as well as by his daughter. 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

ROBERT CROOK. 



Robert Crook was born in Waddesdon, England, in 1818, 
and came to this country about 1832 and died during the past 
year. He lived in Perrysburg, and there married Mrs. Nutt, 
by whom he had one son, Thomas, who was a soldier in the 
War of the Rebellion. After the death of his wife he mar- 
ried for his second wife the widow of Henry Crook, of Mid- 
dleton township, with whom he lived happily until her death 
in 1895. 

His religious aihliations were with the Established 
Church of England, into which he was born. It was to be 
the glory of Zion when it could be said, "This and that man 
was born in her," and it is equally true that it is the glory 
of the man to be born in Zion, for with such birth goes great 
privileges and powers which tell favorably on human char- 
acter, which after all is the great thing. For it is better to 
be known as a good, merciful and faithful man, than it is to 
be known for courage to fight the battles of kings or ambit- 
ious statesmen, or to be the possessor of great wealth. And 
Robert Crook will always be known as a man of integrity, 
who had never "let mercy and truth forsake him." 



Memorial. 59 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

HON. ASHER COOK. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Richland County, 
this state, near Mansfield, on May 3, 1823. 'In his early 
childhood the family removed to Perrysburg. After a few 
years residence there, they emigrated to Chicago which was 
then merely a prosperous village. Not liking the place they 
returned to Perrysburg. The return journey of about 250 
miles was made overland. Young Asher walked the whole 
distance, driving a few cattle, which, with a team and 
wagon, constituted the bulk of the family possessions. Per- 
rysburg was from that time their home. The father was a 
stonemason and plasterer. The son, Asher, after receiving 
the meagre education of a partial course in the common 
school of that day learned his father's trade and for a short 
time followed it. There is a house still standing in Bowling 
Green which he plastered. A little later he worked with 
the force of laborers employed in constructing the Maumee 
and Western Reserve turnpike which, before the advent of 
the railroad was the main line of overland transportation 
from the east to the foot of the rapids of the Maumee River, 
or ''Miami of the Lakes" as it was then called. Still later, 
he worked as a common laborer in the construction of the 
Mad River railroad, now a part of that branch of the "Big 
Four" system which extends from Sandusky to Springfield. 
Not content with the lot of a common laborer in road build- 
ing, he entered the no less laborious but more exciting occu- 
pation of a sailor on the lakes. He shipped as an ordinary 
seaman under Capt. W. H. Westmore who then commanded 
one of the numerous sailing vessels engaged in the lower 
lake trafiic. When that well-known and popular captain 
was placed in command of a steamer, Asher Cook went with 
him as wheelsman. 

Mr. Cook's courage, coolness, quickness of perception, 



60 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

sound judgment and entire reliability would have soon won 
for him a first place among lake navigators, had he contin- 
ued in that line of work. But nature had endowed him for 
work of a different sort and his studious habits soon fitted 
him for a wider field of usefulness. 

In spite of poverty and the necessity for constant and 
severe toil, he acquired a thorough knowledge of the common 
and several of the higher branches of learning. He seemed 
to have a special liking for the study of languages and be- 
came proficieni:. in Latin, French, Spanish and German. All 
of these he read with ease and he spoke French and German 
almost as fiuently as he spoke English. He studied law 
under Hon. Willard V. Way, one of the strong pioneer law- 
yers of the valley, and was admitted to practice in 1849. He 
very soon took a leading position at the Bar of the North- 
west, meeting and contending on equal terms with his for- 
mer perceptor, and with John C. Spink, James Murray, 
Samuel M. Young, Morrison R. Waite and other noted law- 
yers of the time. About the time Mr. Waite became Chief 
Justice of the United States he said, "In knowledge and un- 
derstanding of the fundamental principles of law, Asher 
Cook has no equal in the Maumee Valley." 

As soon as he was admitted to the bar he was elected 
Prosecuting Attorney of Wood County, and in 1851 was 
elected Probate Judge. In 1853 he was married to Amanda 
Hall, youngest daughter of Judge Jarius Hall of Vermont, 
and sister of Augustus and Manning Hall, prominent pioneer 
merchants in Perrysburg. She died during the cholera epi- 
demic of 1854. Soon afterward Judge Cook went to Europe 
and spent a year studying at Paris and Heidelberg. Returning 
home he resumed the practice of his profession. In 1858 he 
married Sophia A. Hitchcock, eldest daughter of W. J. 
Hitchcock, then a prominent merchant of Perrysburg. She 
still survives him. 

Judge Cook was active in politics. He was originally 
a Democrat and when his party divided on the slavery ques- 
tion, he cast his lot with that branch of it known as the 
"Free Soil Party." He was a member of the famous Pitts- 
burg convention, at which the Republican party had its 
birth as a national organization. Some months before the 



Memorial. 61 

Pittsburg convention he was the leading spirit in a meeting 
held at Portage, in Wood County, which passed resolutions 
embodying the principles afterward announced in the Pitts- 
burg platform. The Portage meeting is believed to have 
been the first of the local organizations out of which sprang 
the party which has cut so large a figure in American his- 
tory. 

At the opening of the rebellion Judge Cook raised and 
commanded a company in the 21st Regiment, O. V. 
I. Later he organized and commanded a company 
in the 144tli regiment, O. V. I. He was a mem- 
ber of the convention whith first nominated Gen- 
eral Grant for the presidency. In 1873 he was elected a 
member of the convention to revise the state constitution 
and was made chairman of its committee on education. In 
1879 he spent a year traveling with his wife in Great Britain 
and continental Euroi^e. In 1883 he did the same, extend- 
ing his travels, however, to Egypt and Palestine. His 
knowledge of history, his powers of observation, his retentive 
memory and fine command of language made his reminiscen- 
ces of travel delightful to all who heard him, whether in 
private conversatioli or public address. 

He was a valuable member of this Association, taking 
an active interest and rendering efficient service in its work 
of preserving the early history of the Maumee Valley. He 
continued in the practice of his profession until his death, 
January 1, 1892. His great ability and learning, his genial 
courtes}^, his unquestionable integrity, gave him an unusual 
influence with courts and juries and won him the profound 
respect and esteem of lawyers and laymen alike. 

He was active and prominent as a Free Mason, and in 
his daily life exemplified all that is best in the teachings of 
the order. Although he made no i^rofessions of Christianity, 
he did what was better ; he practiced its teachings in his in- 
t^'course with his fellow men. He was wise and public 
spirited and always lent his aid to movemeuts leading to the 
menral and moral advancement of the community. His 
domestic and social life was full of a tenderness and sympa- 
thy which drew all hearts to himself and held them in the 
golden bond? of love. Quickly responsive to the needs of 



62 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Associafiov. 

those about him, he often performed unostentatious deeds of 
charity which were known at the time only to himself and to 
the persons benefitted by them. Strong, fearless, pro- 
gressive, he was both in character and career typical of the 
army of pioneers, small in number but mighty in purpose, in 
deeds and in results, who peopled this valley and transform- 
ed it from a wilderness into a garden. 

His work being finished, a peaceful death amid loving 
relatives and friends ended appropriately a well rounded and 
useful life. 

The infirmities of old age had just begun to lay hold 
upon him. He was tired. At midnight, as the bells pro- 
claimed the birth of the year 1892, he laid down his burden 
and fell asleep. 



Memorial. 63 



MEMORIAL 

OF 

AMOS DEWESE. 



From Wood County Paper. 



Amos Dewese, whose death occurred at his home near 
Weston, March 8, 1900, traced his ancestry back to 
Samuel Dewese, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary 
War. 

This Samuel Dewese was the father of seven children — 
John, William, Elizabeth, Samuel, Powell, Thomas and 
David. He was wounded and captured at the siege of Fort 
Washington, and thrown into one of the filthy British prison 
ships. Here his faithful wife visited him, and after much 
pleading secured his release. They started to return to their 
home in Pennsylvania, but Mrs. Dewese died at Philadelphia 
before reaching home, of a disease contracted while nursing 
her husband in the pestilential prison ship. Samuel Dewese 
re-entered the Colonial army, and died of a disease in a mil- 
itary camp at Allentown, Pa. 

After his death his son Samuel, while a mere boy, tramp- 
ed through the snow to Valley Forge, where he enlisted and 
subsequently became a captain of militia in the First Bat- 
talion, 36th Regiment of Maryland troops. At the close of 
the Revolutionary War he learned the shoemaker's trade, 
married and settled at Wormellsdortf, Burks County, Pa., 
where he was made captain of a volunteer military com- 
pany. In 1793 President Washington made a tour of East- 
ern Pennsylvania, and remained over night at a hotel in 
Warmellsdortf. On this occasion Captain Dewese collected 
thirty members of his company in the evening, armed with 
their guns, and marched them to the hotel and tendered mil- 
itary honors to the "Father of his Country." He had no 
fifer, and drawing his company up in litife, with their guns at 
"present," be took his place in the ranks, and as President 



64 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Washington appeared at the door he played the fife while 
the drummer beat the proper salute. President Washington 
acknowledged the honor conferred in an appropriate address, 
after whicli, at his earnest invitation, the entire company 
partook of his hospitality. 

Captain Dewese's brother, Thomas, who was the grand- 
father of the late Amos Dewese, was a school teacher in 
early life, and later became a farmer. He was married to 
Miss Catherine Bessey, and they emigrated from Burks 
County, Pa., to Stark County, Ohio, in 1808, where they both 
died at advanced ages. Their children were Luticia, Samuel, 
the father of Amos Dewese, Elizabeth, Catherine, Sarah, 
Martha, Uriah, Rebecca and Thomas. 

Samuel Dewese, the father of Amos Dewese, was born 
in Burks County, Pa., in 1793, and came to Stark County 
with his parents. At the age of twenty years he enlisted at 
the village of Canton, under Captain James Drennan for the 
war of 1812, and served under General Harrison. He was 
discharged at Detroit, May 14, 1814. When enlisted he first 
went to Cleveland and later to Fort Stephenson, at the pres- 
ent site of Fremont, arriving there just a day after Major 
Crogan's defense of the little stockade. While at Detroit he 
was sent by General Harrison as a scout to the Thames river 
in Canada. The mission was a dangerous and difficult one, 
but he accom]3lished his object. After his discharge, Mr, 
Dewese returned to Stark County and labored on a farm. 

May 15, 1815, he was married to Miss Sarah Boyer, who 
died August 6, 1824. They had six children : Margaret, who 
married Asa Hutchinson, was the mother of 13 children and 
died in Wood County; Thomas, who died in Canton in 1892; 
his three sons, Levi, Madison and Noah, and a daughter, Mrs. 
H. W. Hoster, reside at Canton; Caroline, who was post- 
mistress at Fort Top, Mich., and was the oldest incumbent of 
that office in the state when she was removed during the 
Cleveland administration in 1894; and is the only survivor of 
that family; Amy, who married James Hutchinson and died 
in Bowling Green, March 14, 1891; Amos, our deceased sub- 
ject, and one child that died in infancy. In 1828 Mr. De- 
wese was again married to Miss Anna Schwitzer, who died 
after raising a family of 12 children. She was buried at 



Memorial. 65 



Weston, December 23, 1883. These children were Jesse, 
married to Ellen Brisbin, and died in Weston Township in 
1891; Dennis, died in childhood; Franklin, died in child* 
hood ; Mary Ann, married John Q. Wade, and died in Wes- 
ton Township in 1872; Noah, died in childhood; Samuel, 
married Jane Ann Gingery ; Uriah, married Hulda J. Leon^ 
ard, and after her death, Mary Jane Heath ; Permelia, mar- 
ried Wenman Wade; Ohancey, who died while serving in 
the Union army at Danville, Va., in 1864; two infants and 
Garzelda, married to Charles Bassett. 

Amos Dewese came to Wood County from Hancock 
County, February 17, 1843, and of his early experience here 
he gave a graphic account in an article contributed to the 
Weston Herald, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of 
his advent into the "Black Swamp." He wrote : 

The snow was 18 inches deep when I started from Han- 
cock county without a cent of money, but a few clothes, and 
a dry chunk of bread constituting my pack ; my shoes out at 
the toes and carrying a few books. 

In the evening I crossed the line and saw a hunter rid- 
ing an old horse, to the tail of which was tied a large deer. 
I followed a trail and came to a Mr. Robbins, of Bloom town- 
ship, where I stayed all night. Early next morning I start- 
ed for Mr. Frankfqthers at Bloom Center, found my friend, 
Joseph Shelia, and made my home with him, and went to 
chopping to get a paip of boots. Mr. S. and I rode through 
the woods to Risden and Rome (now Fostoria), for an ax. 
We found a few, but as they wouldn't trust either of us, we 
had to return without it. Then I went back to Hancock 
county, got my ax and was rich. I took a job of a Mr. 
Buisey to chop seven acres, for which he gave me a rifle and 
some second-hand clothing. I finished my job March 24, 
when the mercury was 20 degrees below zero, that winter 
being still known as the "hard winter." 

I began work for Mr. Solether April 1st ; snow and ice 
on the ground, and sleighing. He gave me a watch. While 
working there Mr. Jonathan Stull came into the clearing. 
He had a bag on his shoulder with a peck of corn that he got 
from a Mr. Daniel Milburn. Mr. Stull was much depressed 
and discouraged on account of the hard winter. He talked 



66 ■ The Maumee Valley Pioneer Associntion. 

on Adventism, as the Millerites said the end of the world 
was at hand. Mr. Stull said he prayed for it every day, as 
he had seen all the trouble he wanted to see. He said he 
had eight head of horres, and all had died ; 28 head of cattle 
and 260 head of hogs, and all were dead. I had to pass Mr. 
Stull's cabin often. He told me they had been married 12 
years and that they had 10 children, all of whom were al- 
most nude. Not one had a full suit of clothes. They hadn't 
a bed or a window in the house. 

He was the owner of a three-quarter section of good 
land. "There," said Mr. Stull, "I have one peck of ears of 
corn in this sack, and when I take it home and grind it in 
the hand mill and mix it with water, bake it and eat it with 
my wife and 10 children, God knows where the next will 
come from. They must starve." He wept like a child. 
(Mr. Stull was the founder of Jerry City.) 

Mr. Dewese said that during that winter nearly all the 
wild hogs perished from cold. Later Mr. Dewese worked for 
Mr. Whitacre two weeks, for which he received $8.25. Con- 
tinuing he says : 

I then went to Milton Center and cleared five acres for 
James Hutchinson for a pair of two-year-old steers. In July 
I went to James Bloom's, and worked for Bloom and Hen- 
derson Carothers, helping to cut 45 acres of wheat and cut 
and haul 100 tons of tame prairie hay, for which I received 
one pair of boots and 50 cents in money — a sum total in 
money for the year of $3.75. In the beginning of the year 
1843 I went to Ralph Keeler's to work for my board, and to 
go to school in the old log school house at Weston. Mr. 
Keeler took sick, and as I had to take care of him and the 
stock I lost the benefit of the school. I worked for him three 
months for $25, to take my pay out of the stj3re. 

The teacher, Mr. Jesse Osborne, of New York State, re- 
ceived 25 cents a day or five dollars a month. The scholars 
were Miss Mary Taylor, George Lewis, Thomas and William 
Taylor, Samuel McAfee, Olmstead, Amelia and Melicent 
Keeler. The teacher was paid by the parents, there being 
no school fund at that time. 

Mr. Taylor lost about 45 head of cattle, Mr. Keeler 75 
head, while the Salsburys, Sargents, Ellsworths and Greens 



Memorial. 67 



lost about the same proportion during that terrible winter, 
never to be forgotten by the old settlers. Many had to move 
out of the "Black Swamp" before spring. So ended my first 
year as a pioneer. 

In March, 1851, Mr. Dewese entered the land which now 
forms a portion of the Dewese Estate. On this he built a 
log house and began to make for himself a home. Here he 
kept "Bachelor's Hall" for two years. 

On November 3, 1853, Mr. Dewese was married to Miss 
Sarah Green, who was born August 17, 1829, in Liverpool, 
England, and came to this country with her parents in 1834. 
She with their three sons, William, George J. and Amos R., 
survive. 

Mr. Dewese was a whole-souled, public spirited man, 
whose ambition was honorable citizenship and financial in- 
dependence. He was an upright citizen, a kind neighbor, a 
devoted husband and a loving parent. 

The hospitality of the Dewese home is known far and 
wide, and Mr. Dewese found great pleasure in entertaining 
his many friends at his fireside and sumptuous table. The 
three sons are happily married, and William and Amos Jr. 
reside at home, while George lives on a fine farm in the 
neighborhood. 

Mr. Dewese was formerly a Republican, but his opposi- 
tion to a protective tariff and its growth, the trusts, caused 
him to afiiliate with the Democratic party several years ago. 
He took great interest in all public questions, on which he 
was fully informed. 



68 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

JOHN E. DISHER. 



From Toledo Blade. 



John E. Disher, of Toledo, ex-truant officer, died at his 
home, at 548 East Broadway, in that city. 

He had been ill about five weeks, but had been confined 
to his bed only a week. Heart trouble was the cause of his 
death. 

Perhaps no man in Toledo was better known among the 
school children of this city than Mr. Disher. He served the 
city eight years as truant officer, leaving the work two years 
ago and taking a position with the Prudential Life Insurance 
Company. 

It is no disparagement of the work of others to say that 
Mr. Disher was probably the best truant officer the city ever 
had. By nature he was adapted to the work. He loved 
children and made an earnest effort to give truant boys 
every chance to reform, yet he was firm in the performance 
of his duties. 

Mr. Disher was aged 54 years. He leaves three children 
by his first wife— Misses Anna and Edna, of Whitehouse, and 
Clark Disher, of Washington, D. C. He has one child — Baby 
Gladys — by his second wife, who, before marriage, was Miss 
Mary Hone. There are four step-children. A brother and 
two sisters of Mr. Disher reside at Whitehouse. 

Mr. Disher was identified with the Masons and Maumee 
Tent of the Maccabees. He was a member of the Second 
Congregational Church, and the pastor, Dr. James Chalmers, 
conducted the funeral services at the house. 



Memofial. 60 



MEMORIAL 

OF 

JOHN F. DUNN. 



From Toledo Blade. 



The funeral of John F. Dunn took place at the home of 
the deceased in Perry township, Wood county, April 27th, 
1900. He was the father of Robert and Frank Dunn, of 
Bowling Green, 

John Dunn, though 73 years of age, was up to two 
months before his death in good health and apparently look- 
ed as though he would live many years. About this time 
his wife and companion since the early '60's died very sud- 
denly while sitting in a chair. He was deeply grieved at her 
death, and expressed the wish that he might die also. From 
that time he grew sick and feeble, until death came. He 
refused to take medicine a part of the time, and hailed with 
delight the approach of death. 

John Dunn came to Wood county when it was a wilder- 
ness, leaving his wife and two daughters buried in his 
mother country, England. His two sons, Frank and Robert, 
accompanied him and helped to hew out a home in the for- 
ests of southern Wood county. He w^as married to Lydia 
Ann Baird, daughter of a pioneer family, in 1862. Three 
children were born, a son and two daughters, and survive 
their parents. 

He was one of the most influential and respected men in 
his section of the country, and by his death a vacancy has 
been made that will never be filled. 



70 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

CAPT. H. B. FERGUSON. 



Capt. Henry B. Ferguson, Co. G, 14th O. V. I, died at 
his home in Antwerp, Ohio, June 21, 1900, of maralial fever. 
Mr. Ferguson was about 66 years old, was a member of the 
Masonic order and the G. A. R. 

H. B. Ferguson enlisted in Co. G, 14th O. V. I., April 
13th, 1861. Served as corporal in this service. Discharged 
August 13th, 1861. Again entered Co. G, 14th O. V. I., Au- 
gust 26th, 1861. Elected second lieutenant, and served 
until expiration of term of service, vSeptember 13th, 1864. 
Terms of service, three years and five months. 



Memorial. Tl 



MEMORIAL 

— OF^ — 

L. S. GREGORY. 



L. S. Gregory was born in Vermont Jan. 3rd, 1813, and 
was married to Almira Craw in 1834, He came to Ohio Nov. 
3, 1835. Mr. Gregory was a stonemason and plasterer by 
trade, and also followed farming. Mr. Gregory died in Bow- 
ling Green Jan. 26, 1899, aged 86 years and 23 days. They 
had eight children born to them — three boys and five girls. 
One of the boys was a soldier, was taken prisoner and starved 
to death. All the children are dead with the exception of 
two girls. 

Mr. Gregory's wife was born in Vermont June 26th, 
1817. She is at present living in Bowling Green at the age 
of 83 years. She enjoys good health and belongs to the 
Seventh Day Advent church. 

Mr. Gregory voted for Harrison in 1836 and McKinley in 
1896. 



72 ' The Maxitnee Valley Pioneer Association. 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

RICHARD GUNN. 



BY 0. N. GimN. 



Richard Gunn, a pioneer of the Maumee Valley, was the 
fourth son of Elisha and Mindwell (Carver) Gunn, born at 
Montague, Mass., October 18, 1792, and was a lineal descend- 
ant of John and Catherine Carver, who emigrated from 
Wygan, Lankashire, England, in 1620, crossing the Atlantic 
in the little ship Mayflower, landing on Plymouth Rock 
December 21st of that year. John Carver was the first Gov- 
ernor .of the Plymouth Colony, being elected December 11th 
on board ship, as it lay at anchor in Cape Cod Bay. The 
Governor died May 10th, 1621, his wife following him a few 
days later. Both are buried on the brow of a hill adjacent 
to the old town of Plymouth, in Massachusetts. Their sec- 
ond son was Elijah Carver, from whom the numerous des- 
cendants now living in the Maumee Valley have sprung — 
The Gunns, the Knaggses, the Bucklins, the Scribners, the 
Bennetts, of Illinois ; the Griffins, of Delta, and many other 
families too numerous to mention. 

Richard Gunn was also a lineal descendant of Dr. Jas- 
per and Christian Gunn, who emigrated from the highlands 
of Scotland in 1635, crossing the Atlantic in the ship De- 
fence, and settled at Roxbury, Conn., twelve years later re- 
moving to Hartford, Conn., where Jasper Gunn died June 
12th, 1671. His wife also died at Hartford in 1690. Their 
descendants are legion. Many of them are now living in 
this valley : The Gunns, of Henry and of Fulton Counties ; 
the Backs, of Napoleon; and the Scribners, and more than a 
hundred others in the long line of ancestry are scattered 
through the valley, from Sandusky to Ft. Wayne, Indiana. 
I am in possession of a complete record of the Carver and 



Meniorial. 73 



Gunn families, and in time lliey will be published in book 
form. 

Kichard Gunn came to the valley from Springville, New 
York, and settled on the Maumee river in September, 1816, 
one mile below what is now tlie village of Waterville, Ohio, 
In 1819 he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with 
Mary Grant, (in after years she was known only as Aunt 
Polly) sister of Mrs. Willard Gunn, Sr. They settled on 
w^hat was afterwards known as the Deacon Reed farm, now 
owned and occupied by O. W. Ballow. Their residence was 
a log cabin, built in the northwest corner of the field, where 
the old lane running between the Haskins and Ballow farms 
is located on the east side of the river road. The Campbell 
family also lived there in after years. In this cabin there 
were born to Richard and Mary Gunn, five children, viz. : 
William Elisha, Eliza Malissa, Mary Malinda, Zebina Mon- 
tague and Aurelia Elizabeth. 

About 1830 Richard bought his brother Carver's interest 
in a small farm situated on the north bank of the river, at 
what is now known as the head of the Providence Slack- 
water, near the lock, where he soon after removed his fam- 
ily, and lived until his death, which occurred in 1839, leav- 
ing a widow and eight children. The eldest daughter, Eliza 
M., died in 1840. One year later my mother lost the farm 
through the perfidity of a trusted nephew, finally becoming 
broken in health, and with a large family and but small 
means of support, and worn out by the hardships incidental 
to a pioneer life, she gave up the struggle of this transitory 
existence and passed on to receive her well earned reward. 
She died in 1841, leaving seven children. Mary M. died in 
1842. 

The follow^ing named children were born in the log cabin 
at the head of the Slackwater, viz. : Richard, Osman, Oscar 
N., and Franceze, Eleanor. — The eldest son, William E., was 
killed in battle at Vicksburg, Miss., May 22, 1863. Zebina 
M. is now (1900) living in Ft. Dodge, Iowa. Richard O. was 
wounded in battle at Vicksburg, Miss., May 20, 1863, and 
died in hospital at Keokuk, Iowa. Aurelia E. died in El- 
dorado, Kansas. Oscar N. lives in Maumee, Ohio. Franceze 
E., is now living in Jasper, Arkansas. 



74 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Father, Kichard and mother, Mary Gunn, lived in a log- 
cabin continuously from the time they came to the Maumee 
country until their deaths. The log cabin was the mansion 
of those early days. When father came to the Maumee there 
were but two white families then living between Miami and 
Providence. A Mr. Adams and his family lived on what is 
known as the Hutchison farm, one and one-half miles below 
the village of Waterville, and a Mr. Elijah Gunn owned and 
lived on the land that constitutes the Haskins farm, three- 
fourths of a mile below Waterville. How often I have lis- 
tened to dear mother Hutchison as she recounted the stories 
of early pioneer life on the Maumee river ; how the wolves 
howled and the Indians whooped, and each vied with each 
other to discover which could do the most mischief. How 
diii'erent now from then ; the jungles have disappeared, and 
so have the wolves and Indians, and the earth is like the 
Garden of Eden. 



Memorial. • 75 



MEMORIAL 

— OP — 

H. J. HAYES. 



From Toledo Blade. 



Mr. H. J. Hayes, of the Toledo Produce Exchange, died 
at his home, 2154 Maplewood avenue, Toledo, on February 4, 
1900. This was, indeed, sad news to all who knew him, as 
he was a gentleman who commanded the highest regard. He 
was always kind, and pleasant of manner. Mr. Hayes, at 
the time of his death, had reached the age of 82. He was a 
sincere Christian, and, for many years, was a deacon in the 
First Baptist church. 

Deceased had long experience in the grain trade. He 
was a member of the firm of Walker, Hayes & Co. After 
that firm went out of existence, the firm of H. J. Hayes & 
Co., was formed, and afterward, the firm of Hayes & Kinin- 
ger came into existence. He had for a length of time pre- 
vious to his death been purchasing agent for J. J. Coon. Mr. 
Hayes was a good man, and well deserving of the high esti- 
mation in which he was held. He leaves a wife and five 
children : Colonel O. S. Hayes, of Georgia ; the Misses Ella 
and Sadie Hayes, both teachers in Toledo's schools; Mrs. 
Hurlburt, of Warren, O. ; Mrs. W. J. Luce, of Snohomish, 
Washington, and Mrs. R. W. Livermoore, of North Carolina. 
The funeral was held at the First Baptist church, Toledo. 

At the meeting of the Produce Exchange the following 
memorial was adopted : 

It is in the spirit of unfeigned sorrow of heart that the 
members of this Exchange are assembled to-day to hear the 
announcement of the death of Henry J. Hayes — Father 
Hayes — a very long time member of our Association and 
much the oldest active trading member of it. Our old, 
highly prized and lovingly cherished friend and fellow mem- 
ber is no more ; and while we sincerely mourn the absence 



76 The Maumee 'Valley Pioneer Association. 

of his pleasant companionship from our daily round of busi- 
ness, we are united in the conviction that he has exchanged 
the toils and vexations of a life on earth for a brighter and 
happier one beyond our mortal vision. 

Our dear friend was a man of kindly, sympathetic dis- 
position, and no one knew him but to love and respect him. 
He was called away from us with but brief warning and few 
of us knew while he was with us that his health was serious- 
ly impaired. 

He was born at Remsen, Oneida county, N. Y., June 26, 
1818, and was in the eighty-second year of his age ; a ripe 
old age. His advent in Toledo was in 1853, and his career has 
been a highly creditable one as a wholesale grocer and grain 
merchant. He was a man of stainless integrity, a devoted 
member of his church. His life in Toledo has been that of a 
Christian gentleman. 

While we most sincerely offer to the family of our friend 
the assurance of our tender sympathy, it is mingled with a 
sorrow that is full of the bright hope of his future life. 
Therefore be it 

Resolved, That in a spirit of respect for our departed 
friend, we drape our hall for 30 days, that a copy of this 
minute be sent to the family with a suitable offering of 
flowers, and that we do now adjourn. 



Memorial. 77 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

THOMAS P. HINISH. 



The entire community of Maumee suffered from the 
shock caused by the untimely death of their fellow citizen, 
Thomas P. Hinish. 

The deceased had been indisposed for some time previous 
to his death, but not sufficiently so to keep him from attend- 
ing to his duties as superintendent of the paper mill in that 
city. About two weeks before his death his ailment, which 
proved to be Bright's disease, assumed a virulent form, and 
the attending physician pronounced his case as hopeless. Mr. 
Hinish was a whole souled and genial citizen with hosts of 
friends who deeply sympathize with his bereaved family. 

Thomas P. Hinish was born near Tatesville, Bedford 
County, Pa., March 4, 1845, died February 11, 1900. 

In 1878 he married Ella M. Reed, and to this union were 
born one son and two daughters, Harry F., Edna Marie and 
Delight. He was a resident of Maumee nearly 32 years, and 
was extensively known in paper trade circles, and was the 
promoter of the stock company which built the mill which is 
still one of our business institutions. 

Several times he was honored with city offices, and was 
highly respected by his employes. He was a member of the 
F. and A. M., who with the city officials, attended the fun- 
eral in a body. The entire business portion of town was 
closed on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect for 
their departed fellow citizen. The funeral was held at the 
M. E. Church, Rev. Schafer officiating. The remains were 
placed in the vault in Ft. Meigs cemetery. 



78 The Maumee Yalley Pioneer Associati 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

GEORGE LASKEY. 



Hon. George Laskey, one of Toledo's pioneer and hon- 
ored citizens, died at his home at 2413 Collingwood avenue 
Saturday evening, Aug. 12, 1899. Paralysis was the cause of 
his death. He had been afflicted with that disease for 18 
months. The funeral was held from the family residence 
August 15. • 

Mr. Laskey has been one of Toledo's substantial citizens 
since he came here with his family in 1877. He was born in 
Devonshire, near Bristol, England, August 23, 1824. 

July 4, 1833, he left for a new home with his parents in 
America. There were ten children of his father and mother, 
George and Anna Laskey, and the family came to the new 
country in the hope of bettering their conditions. It took 
them seven weeks to reach New York, and thence they made 
their way to the Hudson river and Erie canal to Buffalo. 
There they took passage on the steamer General Brady, for 
Toledo, then a small hamlet, and landed Oct. 1, 1883. A 
home was purchased in the wilderness in Washington town- 
ship, Lucas county, near Toledo, where the family endured 
all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. 

When the parents died the care of the farm was left to 
one of the older brothers, Henry Laskey. 

George Laskey, jr., went to live with his sister, Mrs. 
Mary Scovill, at Gilead, now Grand Rapids, O., when 13 
years of age. Here he resided until 1840, securing his early 
education there. He went to the district school at Perrys- 
burg, that being his nearest school. In the fall of 1840 he 
went to Florida, Ohio, Henry county, remaining there one 
year, and then returned to the head of the rapids, at Provi- 
dence, where he was employed in a small store at seven dol- 
lars a month. Some time afterwards he returned to Grand 
Rapids and worked in a store at eight dollars per month. Of 



Memorial. 79 



this amount he laid by $50 a year until able to buy 120 acres 
of land at $1.25 per acre. He remained in the store, how- 
ever, and in April, 1846, became a partner in the business. 
His industry and sterling worth were appreciated by the peo- 
ple of Wood county, and he was twice elected commissioner 
on the Whig ticket, despite the fact that the county was 
strongly Democratic. 

In 1859 he was elected state senator, and served two 
terms. His service was at the time of the civil war, when 
aid for the soldiers received attention, and none were more 
loyal or more generous of his treatment of the soldiers than 
he. He was also active in the promotion of work which re- 
claimed many acres of swamp lands. 

In his business Mr. Laskey was very successful, and at 
the time of his death he owned several thousand acres of 
land in Northwestern Ohio and had extensive business inter- 
ests in Grand Rapids. He moved with his family to Toledo 
in 1877, and resided continuously in the city since that time. 
His business interests in Grand Rapids took him to that place 
every week as long as he was able to do active work. 

Mr. Laskey was one of the projectors of the narrow 
guage railroad from Toledo to Grand Rapids, which eventu- 
ally was extended, and is now known as the Clover Leaf, or 
Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City. 

Hon. George Laskey and Miss Antionette Howard, only 
sister of the late Hon. D. W. H. Howard, were united in 
marriage Jan. 1, 1848. The union was a happy one and was 
blessed by six children, four sons and two daughters, as fol- 
lows : Edward G., now living in Grand Rapids, O. ; How- 
ard Lincoln, a resident of Sterling, Kan. ; Sherman, who 
makes his home at Coleman, Mich. ; Henry S., a graduate of 
the University of Michigan; Marion H., the wife of Henry 
P. Shanks, of Wood county, and Ella G., now the wife of 
Lacy Y. Williams. 

Mr. and Mrs. Laskey were active and influential mem- 
bers of the Congregational church. Mrs. Laskey, whose life 
has also been spent in the Maumee Valley, survives her 
husband. 



80 The Maumee Yalley Pioneer Assoc i(n 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

JOHN LAMPHIER. 



BY C. 0. YOUNG. 



The subject of this sketch, John Lamphier, was born in 
Sullivan County, New York, in 1826. .He came to Henry 
County, Ohio, in 1842, with his father's family of twelve 
children, who first settled in Washington Township, but later 
moved to Liberty Township, on a farm where he spent the 
remainder of his days, and died of chronic rheumatism 
November, 1899, leaving but one brother to mourn his 
departure. 

He was married to Mary Ann Hawk in 1854, who sur- 
vives him. No children have been born to this union. He, 
with his wife, were very industrious and economical, and ex- 
cellent and accommodating neighbors, well provided with 
the comforts of life, and b}^ their own exertions and economy 
accumulated a snug competence of several thousand dollars 
at interest, and a nice 80-acre well improved farm near 
Liberty Center, all of which is left to the widow. 

Mr. Lampier was a member of the Masonic Lodge of 
Liberty Center, in good standing at the time of his demise, 
aud was laid to rest in the village cemetery with all the rites 
and impressive ceremonies of the order. 

He became a member of the Maumee Valley Pioneer 
Association several years ago, and was a prompt attendant 
at their annual meetings. 

Peace to his ashes. 



Memorial. 81 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

MRS. AMANDA LEWIS. 



Mrs. Amanda Lewis, wife of 0. C. Lewis, of No. 1519 
East Broadway, Toledo, died of apoplexy, August 16, 1899. 

Mrs. Lewis had not been well for some days, and it was 
thought her illness was due to other causes. She was, as a 
rule, an exceptionally well woman, and her death was a 
great surprise to her many friends. 

Mrs. Lewis was 66 years of age, and with her husband 
had been a resident of the East Side (Toledo) for the past 33 
years. She has lived in her present home for 10 years. 
During her residence in that city, she acquired a large num- 
ber of friends and acquaintances who will hear of her death 
with deep regret. A husband and two sons, Charles and 
William, survive her. 

Mrs. Lewis was a very bright and energetic woman, and 
gave force and direction to the many social events of her 
circle of friends with which she connected herself. The later 
years of her life were blighted by the untimely death of a 
loving and only daughter. 



82 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

ALBERT C MATTHEWS. 



BY C. C. YOLTNG. 



The subject of this sketch, Albert C. Matthews, of Lib- 
erty Center, Ohio, was born in Oneida County, New York, 
in August, 1816, and died at his home in Libesrty Center, O., 
of general decline from advanced age, being over 83 years of 
age. 

At an early age he emigrated to Erie County, Pennsyl- 
vania, where he was married to Mary A. Williams in Octo- 
ber, 1839, and removed to Wood County, Ohio, ' in 1854, 
where his wife died the following year. To this union was 
born three sons and one daughter, the latter dying at ah 
early age. The sons were volunteers in the Union army of 
the rebellion, one of whom died in the service of his country, 
while two are still among our honorable and well to do 
citizens. 

The subject of this sketch was twice married. His sec- 
ond marriage was to Eliza A. Pennock while living in Wood 
County, soon after moving to Liberty Center, where he 
bought property, and with his son was engaged in the livery 
business for many years. Uncle Al, as he was familiarly 
known, and his surviving widow were good and kind neigh- 
bors, and she with many friends deeply feel his departure to 
that bourne where no traveler returns. 

May his be a peaceful rest, is the prayer of all who knew 
him. 

He had recently become a member of the Maumee Val- 
ley Pioneer Association, 



Memorial. 83 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

JAMES M'GETTIGAN. 



From Toledo Blade. 



James McGettigan, a pioneer of Toledo, and a successful 
business man, died at the family residence, 513 Washington 
street, Toledo, at 6 :15 o'clock, p. m.. May 17, 1900. He had 
been ill for about four months, but death was wholly unex- 
pected. He leaves five sons— Daniel, James, Edward, John 
and Thomas, and one daughter, Mrs. Ferdinand Grambling. 
The funeral took place from St. Patrick's church May 19th, 
Rev. Father Hannin officiating. 

Mr. McGettigan's ailment was Bright's disease, and his 
end was very peaceful. 

In a business way Mr. McGettigan ranked high, being 
at the head of the McGettigan Storage & Cartage company, 
in which his sons had also been associated in recent years. 
He was born in Derry, Ireland, and came to this country in 
1849. He located in Toledo and then went to Philadelphia, 
where he married his wife, they having been school mates in 
the old country. For 37 years they lived in the old homestead 
where the Washington Market now stands in Toledo. Mrs. 
McGettigan died 12 years ago. 

Mr. McGettigan was 77 years of age. He was a kind 
man, and was very modest and unassuming. He had some 
peculiarities, among them an aversion to having his picture 
taken, and he never submitted to a photographer. All who 
knew him admired him for his good qualities and sterling 
integrity. 



84 The Maumee Vallry Pioneer Association. 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

MRS. FRANCES S. M^NELLY. 



A large circle of friends were pained to hear of the death 
of Mrs. Frances S. McNelly, wife of Captain James McNelly, 
which occurred at the family home, 526 Elm street, Toledo. 

Mrs. McNelly was one of the pioneers of the Maumee 
Valley, having come here at an early age. She was born in 
Lincolnshire, England, in 1831, and in 1848 was married to 
Captain James McNelly. Seven children were born, five of 
whom are living — Capt. Ed. McNelly, harbormaster of To- 
ledo ; Engineer George McNelly, James, Ella and May, all 
married except Ella. 

Mrs. McNelly was a noble type of the pioneers of this 
valley. She was devoted to her children, and her life was 
one of Christian purity and uprightness. Her home was the 
center of love, kindness and motherly devotion. 

Mrs. McNelly has been a sufferer from illness for several 
years, and her husband and children did everything in their 
power to have her restored to health, but their efforts were 
in vain. 

The funeral services were conducted by the rector of 
Trinity Church, Rev. Alsop Leflingwell, of which church 
Mrs. McNelly had been a communicant for nearly a life- 
time. The remains were interred in Forest cemetery. The 
pall-bearers were : R. G. W. Foster, William Kneal, Capt. 
Egbert Doville, H. P. Fowler, Capt. James Draper and W. 
H. Hoyt. 



Memorial. 85 



MEMORIAL 

— OP — 

DR. A. J. MURBACH. 



Dr. Murbach is dead. Such were the words which 
passed from lip to lip and were transmitted by telegraph and 
telephone to various parts of the country from Archibold, O., 
on the evening of March 26, 1900. The news of his death 
was most shocking to all his friends, for the reason that it 
was unexpected. His illness covered a period of but a few 
weeks, he having suffered a relapse after an attack of 
pleurisy, heart failure causing his death. 

On the day previous he felt unusually well, and in the 
evening, at 8 o'clock, the beloved physician breathed his 
last at the age of 62 years, 3 months and 11 days. 

Andrew J. Murbach, M. D., was born at Gaechlingen, 
Switzerland, December 15, 1838. At the age of 26 he came 
to America, locating at Toledo. After studying medicine 
about two years with Dr. M. H. Schnetzer at Elmira, Fulton 
county, Mr. Murbach entered Starling medical college, at 
Columbus, Ohio, graduating from that institution in 1864. 
The same year he located at Archibold and for 86 years, and 
up to the time of his death, has practiced his chosen profes- 
sion, and the name of Dr. Murbach is a household word in 
every home for miles around Archibold. 

He was a member of St. John's German Reformed 
church of Archibold, Knights Templars, Defiance Command- 
ery. No. 30, and also of Wauseon F. and A. M. chapter. He 
leaves a loving wife, two sons — Clarence, aged 15 years, and 
Dr. Edwin A. Murbach — and one daughter, Mrs. J. U. 
Fauster, of Paulding, O. 



The Maumee Y alley Pioneer Association. 



MEMORIAL 

OF 

PROF. EDWARD OLNEY. 



Edward Olney was born at Moreau, Saratoga county, N. 
Y., July 24, 1827, and died at Ann Arbor, Mich., January 
16th, 1887. 

Prof. Olney was a lineal descendant of Thomas Olney, 
who was born in Hertford, England, in 1600, and came to 
Massachusetts in 1635, and thence to Hhode Island in 1638, 
where he became one of the members of the iirst Land Com- 
pany of Providence, and where, also, he and twelve other 
persons organized and constituted the First Baptist church 
of Providence, and of America, and was one of the earlier 
ministers of that church. 

In 1833 Benjamin Olney, father of Prof. Olney, removed 
with his family to Oakland county, Mich., and a few months 
thereafter to Wood county, O., where he permanently set- 
tled in Weston township, on a farm, and where the subject 
of our sketch spent his youthful days. 

Prof. Olney 's school privileges in youth were indeed 
limited, as viewed from pur present day standpoint; his 
school life after the age of thirteen being limited to six 
weeks, but his success in after life furnished unquestionable 
proof of what ''pluck and perse verence" will accomplish 
when rightly directed and applied. • 

By his own efforts Prof. Olney so qualified himself that 
at the age of nineteen he commenced teaching in the district 
schools, and the evidence of his superior ability as an in- 
structor being soon discovered, he was, at the age of twenty- 
one, employed as a teacher in the then village school of 
Perrysburg, in anticipation of the organization of a graded 
or Union school the following year, which was accomplished, 
and he was selected as teacher in the grammar department, 
and two years later appointed superintendent of all the de- 
partments, which position he continued to occupy until 



Memorial. 87 



1853, when he was appointed professor of mathematics in 
Kalamazoo College, Michigan, where he remained until 1863, 
when called to the chair of mathematics in the University of 
Michigan, at Ann Arbor, which chair he occupied until his 
death. Scattered over the land are yet to be found here and 
there, gray-haired men and women, his pupils of early years, 
who are ever ready and anxious to proclaim his pre-eminent 
worth as a teacher, and high character as a man and a 
Christian, and "every country, clime and tongue" can 
directly or indirectly testify to his distinguished qualifica- 
tions and reputation as an educator, and to his earnest devo- 
tion to the -cause of truth and the uplifting of mankind dur- 
ing the last quarter of a century of his life. 



88 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

SARAH H. OLNEY. 



Sarah H. Olney was born at Delaware, Ohio, February 
28th, 1825, and died at Ann Arbor, Michigan, September 10, 
1895, and was buried at Kalamazoo, Michigan. 

Sarah Huntington was the eldest daughter of Elijah and 
Susan Huntington, and removed with her parents from Del- 
aware to Perrysburg, Ohio, while yet quite young, and where 
she continued to reside until her marriage to Prof. Edward 
Olney on May 7th, 1850. In 1853 they removed to Kalama- 
zoo, Michigan, and thence to Ann Arbor, Michigan, residing 
in the latter city continuously thereafter until her death. 

Mrs. Olney was one of the successful teachers of North- 
western Ohio in the pioneer days of the Union school system 
of the State, and being greatly aided by the experiences of 
those early days, she was upon her marriage to Prof. Onley, 
enabled to be and was of great assistance to him in his col- 
lege and church work. 

Mrs. Olney was an earnest, conscientious Christian, a 
member of the Baptist Church, and noted far and near for 
her custom of putting into actual practice the many profes- 
sions and theories of others. "Her good works do follow 
her." 

"To pity distress is but human ; to relieve it is Godlike." 



Memorial. 89 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

GEN. CHARLES B. PHILLIPS. 



BY DENISON B. SMITH. 



At Blissfield, Michigan, on Sunday, March 4, 1900, a life 
was closed which for a great number of worthy reasons de- 
serves a more extended notice than the local — although very 
kind — record of his passing away. 

It is most fitting that the useful lives of those long iden- 
tified with Toledo, should be commemorated with honorable 
mention. We can point to few whose life and career has 
touched and prospered a greater variety of Toledo interests 
than that of our dear friend. No man in Toledo was better 
known or more sincerely respected and loved than General 
Charles B. Phillips. But how few are left who knew him 
well ! The thought comes to the writer as an inspiration to 
loneliness, that so few Toledo citizens remain who have due 
appreciation of his life and character. 

He was born in Onondaga county. New York, in 1820. 

The loss of his father may have been the turning point 
of his destination, east or west. • At eight years of age, in 
1828, he came to Toledo for residence with his uncle, Philip 
I. Phillips, who had located a farm on what was then called 
Ten Mile Creek, now Ottawa River, and at what was soon 
after called Tremainsville. He was thus a pioneer of pio- 
neers. I presume there is not a person living on the river 
who came here at maturity, at as early a date. A few fami- 
lies that represented Toledo — the Stickneys, Baldwins, etc. 
Two miles back from the river was Major Keeler's farm, and 
other farms nearer. From the Keeler farm the first wheat 
was sent out of the river to a market. 

In six years there were merchants in Toledo, and our 
boy of 14 began his business career in a general store. With 
the passing of years came experience and intelligence, and 



90 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 




&EN. CHARLES B. PHILLIPS. 



Memorial. 91 



the commencement of real estate investments which became 
an important feature later in life. At maturity General 
Phillips soon became a factor of importance in Toledo busi- 
ness. He was associated with large mercantile and commer- 
cial transactions. He was an active member for years of the 
firm of Whitaker, Phillips & Go. He was cashier of a To- 
ledo brauch of the State Bank of Ohio. In all these ref- 
lations he maintained a high and stainless character for 
fidelity and fairness. He was for a long time a vestryman, 
and for a shorter period a warden, of Trinity church. He 
was early interested in military affairs, and was elected to 
ofiicial grades up to brigadier general in 1857. He was ap- 
pointed by Governor Tod in 1864 to the command of the 130th 
regiment, O. V. I., and ordered to report to General Butler 
at Bermuda Hundred, and was in command of the regiment 
until mustered out. 

Our friend's health has been broken for years, and he 
has kept himself retired from activity in business — and, to 
their regret, from the association of his old friends. Those 
who knew him found in him a friend who loved truth, fair- 
ness and righteousness ; who was generous, and full of the 
appreciation of the ties and pleasures of mutual friendships. 

General Phillips was twice married, but outlived, for a 
long period, those to whom he had been happily mated, and 
to whom he is now so happily joined. He will take to them 
tidings of their earthly friends. 

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." 



92 The Mauniee Valley Pioneer Association. 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

AMELIA WILKISON PERRIN. 



BY HELEN PERRIN BULL. 



In the death of Amelia Wilkison PeTrin, the Maumee 
Valley Pioneer Association loses one of its oldest members 
and one who has always felt a deep interest in its aim and 
purposes. Having been identified with the Maumee Valley 
nearly all of her long and useful life of eighty-eight years, 
she was devotedly attached to it and could not be persuaded 
rb leave it and make her home elsewhere, for when a child 
she came with her father, Jacob Wilkison, to Orleans, before 
the war or 1812, only leaving it for a brief period, after the 
surrender of General Hull, and returning with her parents 
when the country became settled. She always loved to talk 
of the early days and of the pleasures enjoyed so keenly be- 
cause they Were so few. 

The old settlement of Orleans was abandoned as unsuit- 
able for a town, and then she saw Perrysburg as an un- 
broken forest, and afterwards in all its stages of growth to 
the year 1898. . 

Her early life was that of many other eldest daughters 
of the house, one of "living service." Though always fond 
of study she had no other advantages than those afforded by 
the schools of her time. 

She often spoke with pride of her father's interest in ed- 
ucational affairs, and of his care in providing the best 
teachers the time and place afforded. 

The sons of the family were all sent East for better ad- 
vantages, but "Milly" could not be spared from her duties as 
assistant to her mother. She was always proud of her broth- 
ers and had no thought of envy, nor considered that she did 
not receive all that could be done for her. 

Mrs. Perrin was a student to the day of her death, al- 



Memorial. 93 



ways interested in the topics of the day, and deeply so in ev- 
erything pertaining to the history of our country and to the 
lives of our eminent men, many of whom she had watched 
from the time they had come into public notice. 

She married Jonathan Perrin, who came to the Maumee 
Valley in 1820. Together they helped build up the town of 
Perrysburg. Their first home was on Louisiana avenue, 
where they lived until 1834, when they removed to the home 
on Front street, which they occupied over thirty years. 

Mr, and Mrs. Perrin entertained many of the early set- 
tlers until other homes could be found for them, their house 
being one of the largest in the town. It was a great disap- 
pointment to the people of Perrysburg that it did not prove 
to be the head of navigation of the Maumee river, none more 
so than to Mr. and Mrs. Perrin, but they remained loyal to 
their old home, true to its interests. Mrs. Perrin was of 
Revolutionary stock and she was a member of the Daughters 
of the American Revolution. 

Among her ancestors were many ministers who ever 
strove for religious freedom. The results of their labors 
with many others of the same line, we all are noAv grateful 
for and enjoy. 

Her loyalty to her country was unbounded. She gave of 
her time, her strength and means, and above all her son, 
Wilkison D. Perrin, to the saving of the government in the 
Civil War. Though bowed down with sorrow at the death 
of her son in battle, just before the close of the war, she re- 
joiced in the triumph of the cause as generously and loyally 
as any one. 

The Methodist church in Perrysburg honored her as its 
oldest member, and as one who was always ready to do her 
part in Christian work. She had been a member of the 
church more than sixty years. Though for several years be- 
fore her death she was unable to attend services, her interest 
never abated nor did her zeal grow cold. 

The attention shown her by the visiting and local dele- 
gates during a" District Convention of young people held in 
Perrysburg in the summer of 1898, was a source of great 
pleasure to her, as she was always interested in young peo- 
ple and appreciated any attention from them. 



94 The Maumee Yalley Pioneer Associafiov. 

Her interest in the Maumee Valley and its aims was al- 
ways keen, and she was ever ready \to contribute any of the 
great store of her reminiscences which her remarkable mem- 
ory had enabled her to collect, and which never failed to be 
correct. 

In the passing of her life another link which binds us to 
th^ "real pioneer" is gone. ' ; 

Let us cherish her memory as "one who hath done what 
she could." ' 



Mem^orial. 95 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

HENRY PRATT. 



From Toledo Blade. 



The funeral of the late Henry Pratt occurred at his late 
home near Weston, April 29th. He was one of the pioneers 
of Wood county. The remains were laid away in' Fort 
Meigs cemetery, at Perrysburg. A wife and four daughters 
survive him: Mrs. T. H. Tracy, Mrs. J. S. Poor, Miss Nora 
and Miss Jessie Pratt, all of Toledo. 

Henry Pratt was quite well known all over Wood 
county, and did much during his long residence within its 
borders towards its advancement in many ways. His careful 
management of his own affairs brought good returns, and at 
the time of his death he was considered one of the soundest 
men financially in the county. 

For the last fifteen years he had lived on the fine farm 
where he breathed his last. Previous to that he conducted a 
farm on the stone pike near Woodville. 



96 The Maiimee Yalley Pioneer Association. 



MEMORIAL 

— OF 

REV. ROBERT QUAIFE. 



Rev. Robert Quaife, pastor of the Adams Street Mission, 
Toledo, and a member of the Pioneer Association, died quite 
suddenly at his residence at the Mission, at an early hour on 
Saturday, March 17th, of this year. 

The deceased divine, who was in the 74th year of his 
age, caught cold about a month before while attending the 
funeral of one of his poor parishioners, and this developed 
into nervous asthma, which culminated in a sudden and fatal 
attack on the night of the day of his death. He was con- 
scious up the moment of his release from earthly care, and 
his friends say passed away so calmly that he did not appear 
to realize that death was so near at hand. 

His was a well rounded out life of good works, and he 
has gone to reap the reward of the faithful servant of the 
gospel. His parishioners were among the poor and lowly — 
for it was among the despised of men that he loved to work, 
and they will sorrow with a great grief at the death of their 
beloved pastor and friend. He left a widow, Sarah Jarrett 
Quaife, one son, John Quaife, and the following daughters : 
Mrs. Sarah A. Nichols and the Misses Edith M. and Alicia 
Quaife, of Toledo, and Mrs. Mary J. Hutchinson, of Elroy, 
Wis. He also left three sisters, Mrs. Charlotte Wickenden, 
of this city, and two in England. 

The deceased clergyman was also a member of the Cen- 
tral Congregational Church. 

Rev. Robert Quaife was born at Chatham, Kent county, 
England, on February 11, 1826. While yet a boy he came 
with his father to Canada, but after a five years' residence 
there they returned to the old country. His' education was 
comparatively meagre, being confined to the common schools 
of the period of his youth. He was of a studious nature, and 
absorbed everything of possible value connected with the 



Memorial. 97 



work which he had early chosen as his life labor. At nine- 
teen years of age he became a Wesleyan Methodist local 
preacher^ and covered its many appointments with a vigor- 
ous earnestness which afterwards characterized his whole 
career in the work. At 29 he identified himself with the 
London mission field, and s pent several years in laboring 
among the poor and outcast of that city of wickedness. He 
was also for some time secretar}^ of a strong society for the 
relief and rescue of fallen women. 

In 1868 he came to Toledo, where he was installed as 
first pastor of the Second Congregational Church. Later he 
did evangelical work in Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois. 
He was for a time also pastor of the Irving street church, 
Cleveland, and Storrs Congregational church, Cincinnati. 
Then he returned to Toledo and became first pastor of Bir- 
mingham church, on the East Side. Between two and three 
years ago he opened the Adams Street Mission, and in this 
labor of love he had become engrossed to the exclusion of al- 
most everything else. 

His congregation loved him for the genuine sympathy 
which he constantly showed for their human frailties and 
bodily afflictions, and the eagerness with which he listened 
to the prayers of both their souls and bodies. His Avas a 
practical Christianity pleasing to his Heavenly Father, to 
whom he has been called to receive that rich reward reserved 
for all those who do His works'. 



98 Tlie Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



MEMORIAL 

OF 

CAPT. L. Y. RICHARDS. 



Capt. L. Y. Richards, a veteran of the Civil War and an 
old resident of Napoleon, died of paralysis on the morning of 
August 10th, 1899, in that city, at the home of his daughter, 
Mrs. Frank Ulrich, on Haley avenue. He had been in poor 
health for several weeks, owing to a stroke of paralysis, but 
had recovered from its eflPects when the second and fatal 
stroke came. 

Lewis Y. Richards was a native Ohioan, having been born 
in Xenia, December 20, 1830. At his majority he went to 
Napoleon and engaged in the saddlery business, but later 
went to California via Cape Horn. After a four years' resi- 
dence on the Pacific slope he returned to his former home in 
Napoleon and engaged in mercantile business. 

At the outbreak of the war he raised a company and was 
mustered into the army October 3, 1861, as captain of Com- 
pany A, Sixty-eighth O. V. I. His regiment saw valiant 
service during the Atlanta campaign, as well as at Fort Don- 
aldson and Pittsburg landing. He was mustered out Octo- 
ber 26, 1864, and declining a majorship which had been of- 
fered him by the governor,, returned to Napoleon, where he 
continued to reside. The deceased is survived by a wife and 
two daughters, Mrs. Ulrich and Mrs. Mark L. Swazee, of 
Marion, Ind, 



Memorial. 



MEMORIAL 

— OE — 

PAUL RAMYOND. 



Paul Raymond, the pioneer real estate dealer, died at 
the home of his son, Andrew Raymond, at 1110 Washington 
street, Toledo, March 15, 1900. Mr. Raymond had not been 
in active business for about one year previous to his death. 
For three months he had been sinking slowly, and on the 
morning of March 15 the end came without a struggle. Mr. 
Raymond was most widely known in Toledo as a real estate 
man and a pioneer resident of the city. 

He was born October 18, 1810, at Swanzey, Cheshire 
county, N. H. His father died when he was three years of 
age, and he resided with his mother on a farm in New Hamp- 
shire and later in Vermont. At 17 he became a clerk in a 
country store, and showed his thrifty spirit by saving his 
earnings. 

Deciding to try his fortunes in the west, he moved to 
Michigan at the age of 24, and stopped several months at 
Detroit. He then entered the wholesale and retail drug 
business at Adrian for ten years, when he Avent on a farm in 
Lenawee county, remaining there for about 15 years. 

In 1866 he came to Toledo and opened a hardware store, 
and also engaged in the real estate business. After four 
years in the store he sold out the business and continued 
dealing in real estate. He owned about 200 acres of land, 
most of it near Toledo. He platted Raymond's addition to 
that city, in which he sold a number of lots. He also had 
real estate interests at Jackson, Mich. . 

Mr. Raymond was married January 27, 1844, to Miss 
Harriet Southworth, of Allen Springs, N. Y. The children, 
all of whom reside in Toledo, are: Edwin P., attorney; 
Andrew S., Mrs. L. W. Heydrich, wife of Dr. Heydrich, and 
Misses Anna and Louise. 



100 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



MEMORIAL 

OF 

MRS. JERRY REYNOLDS. 



Mrs. Jerry Reynolds, who died in her home at Adams 
Township, Lucas County, February last, was a woman of 
sterling worth. She was not of a demonstrative disposition, 
all of her motives and acts were marked by that quiet force 
which characterizes a self-reliant and true woman. 

In her home and social circle no task was counted irk- 
some by her, if it in any way ministered to the well-being of 
her family or friends. Many hearts were truly saddened on 
learning of her death. 

She was 76 years and six months old when she died, and 
had spent nearly the whole of her life in the township in 
which she passed away. She was born in Gennessee county, 
New York. She was the mother of nine children, six of 
whom are now living : Mrs. Hattie Micham, Mrs. Mattie 
Hawkins, Edward, Charles, Perry and James Reynolds. 



Memorial. 101 



MEMORIAL. 

OF 

JUDGE CHARLES PRATT. 



Judge Charles Pratt, an honored and active member of 
the Maumee Valley Pioneer Association, and a citizen of the 
highest repute and integrity, died at his home in Toledo on 
March 15, 1900, The church, the state and the community 
of which he was a part, has lost an active participant in all 
that tended to elevate and purify them, and he was one 
whose personal walk in life was marked by all that self 
respecting, yet unostentatious manhood, which endeared 
him to his large circle of acquaintances, as one worthy of 
their loving esteem and confidence. 

The pioneers of the Maumee Valley will miss him, not 
only at their annual gatherings, which he invariably attend- 
ed and always took an active interest in, but also in their 
homes and in their various walks of life. 

The Lucas County Bar paid a fitting tribute to his mem- 
ory, and his law partner of many years has spoken appropri- 
ate words — expressive of his worth, both of which are 
appended. 



TEIBUTE BY CHARLES G. WILSON. 



If your Honors Please : 

To the fitting tribute to the memory of Judge Pratt, this 
day presented, I can hope to add but little, yet I would fain 
in an humbler key, give voice to a few of the many thoughts 
that crowd my memory. 

Among all the members of this bar — those now with us 
and those who have passed away — I knew Judge Pratt first 
and I knew him best. The ink on my diploma was scarcely 
dry, when I entered his ofiice, and we were together for al- 
most twenty-four years. The love I bore him, the respect 



102 The Maurnee Valley Pioneer Association. 

and admiration his noble nature inspired within me can only 
be measured b}^ the circle of my life. 

I said I knew him best, because I knew him as he really 
was — the man with the eyes of the world removed — the man 
as he stands before himself — his armor laid aside — his true 
self revealed. 

It is human nature, and the best of us has not escaped it, 
to assume an air — a manner — to throAv about us a something 
that conceals the real man beneath, when we are brought 
into contact with the outer world, when we meet and jostle 
in the battle-field of life ; and it is only when these are laid 
aside, or their use unconsciously forgotten, that we see and 
know the man as he is ; a truth that the wisdom of the world 
has crystalized into the homely proverb that "no man is a 
hero to his own valet. " 

Daily for more than two-thirds of the average span of 
life time, I saw Judge Pratt in the privacy of our otfice, al- 
ways ^sustaining to him the closest relations. I have seen 
him under all the varied conditions that time, and the 
changing years could bring. When success, and the hopeful 
strength of earnest manhood had filled the present with 
teeming ambitions, and painted the future with roseate hues 
and vistas ; and again when he was ^^earied and tired — when 
failure had come — Avhen the present was dark and beset with 
ditficulties and the future held no bright star of promise. 
And to me during all these years he was as an open book 
wdierein I read his true character and his true self. And I 
have no words strong enough and deep enough to express 
the nobility and simplicity of his character. 

He was above all things honest — honest in its broadest 
and highest sense ; the innate disposition to act justly and 
honorably under all circumstances, to all persons, in little 
things as well as in great. Setting his face like flint against 
the committing, or sanctioning of the slightest wrong to an- 
other, although custom might sanction and self interest 
prompt it. Erring rather against himself, never against the 
other, he at all times performed each duty faithfully, kept 
each trust scrupulously, and never, during all the years I 
knew him, did an act that he would have been ashamed to 



Memorial. 103 



have had blazoned forth in the noon-day sun, to be seen of 
all men. 

He was an earnest Christian, steadfast and constant. 
One who made his religion a rule to live by, not a vague 
something to die by. It entered into and became a part of 
his daily life, not ostentatiously or with parade, but quietly, 
silently, permeating all, enriching all, as the sap permeates 
and gives life to the fruitful tree. He had a broad, catholic 
charity, a charity of the heart, that was tolerant of the be- 
liefs of others, of their mistakes, of their faults. He did not 
seek to pry behind the veil Avhich enclosed the sacred pre- 
cincts of another's soul. For he was one 

•'Who considered faith and prayers 
Amongst the privatest of men's affairs" — 

And, 

"He loved his neighbor far too well in fact, 
To call and twit him with a godly tract, 
That's turned by application to a libel." 

You who met him only in the court room, or, casually 
in the interchanges of the busy day, knew little of the unsel- 
fishness, the kindness, the generosity of his heart. 

One incident will illustrate many acts of which the 
world knew nothing. About the year 1878, a soldier whose 
health was broken, whose constitution had been undermined 
by the hardships of his service in the Union army, became 
the tenant of Judge Pratt in a house which furnished him a 
comfortable home. Soon after becoming his tenant, this 
veteran's infirmities became so great that he could no longer 
earn a livelihood, and nothing was left him upon which to 
live, save his small pension from the government. For more 
than twenty years he remained in that house rent free. He 
died there. And when Judge Pratt laid aside the cares of 
life forever, the widow of this soldier still owed to his gener- 
osity the free use of that home, which had sheltered her and 
her husband so many years. 

One thing that always impressed me about Judge Pratt 
was the alertness of his mind. I have often said of him : 
"What he knows, he knows in a minute," so able was he to 
command the principles of law at the right time and as if by 
intuition. This was because his mind was orderly and sys- 



104 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

tematic in its makeup ; as if it were a great and compen- 
dious cabinet of legal lore, in which a memory that never 
tired, and that never failed, was the faithful custodian. It 
was as if all the cases he had ever read, which were land 
marks of the law, were carefully tabulated and laid away, 
each in its proper place, to be drawn forth und used by him 
at a moment's notice. 

To this was due, perhaps, his great knowledge of prac- 
tice, of the correct procedure. However novel the situation, 
however perplexing the complication, in a law suit, if it was 
Judge Pratt's next move he was never at a loss what to do. 
It seemed as if he had been having just such law suits all 
his life, and had made a specialty of them, so ready, so 
quick, and so correct was he as to the proper i30sition to 
take, or course to pursue. It was, or at least it seemed so 
to me, the most common thing for brother lawyers, old and 
young, to come to Judge Pratt with: "Mr. Pratt, I am 
entirely at sea as to what course to pursue, and I cannot find 
a precedent anywhere." 

Looking back I can see with what evident pleasure Judge 
Pratt would drop his own work, and plunge into the midst 
of his brother lawyer's trouble ; and how almost universally 
he would put him on the right track and send him away 
comforted. Yet with all this readiness of mind. Judge Pratt 
was not what has been called an "inspiration lawyer." He 
believed in the genius of hard work and plenty of it. He 
came to his office early, he stayed late, and was always busy. 
However clear he might be in his own mind about a case, I 
do not believe he ever filed a petition or an answer in an im- 
portant case — and seldom in any case whether important or 
not — without first making a brief of the law of the case. As 
a rule, when Judge Pratt had filed his pleading he was ready 
to go to trial the same day. Every question of law involved, 
every question of evidence that might arise on the trial, was 
thoroughly briefed. First the statutes of Ohio, if any ; next 
the decisions of Ohio, if any; then from the great field of 
the law was gathered bolts of offense, and shields and buck- 
lers of defence, until he felt himself thoroughly armed and 
equipped for the battle. And thus Judge Pratt became a 
strong trial lawyer, known to be quick and ready. And so 




JUDGE CHARLES PRATT. 



Memorial. 105 



he WHS, but much, very much, of this w<is due to his careful, 
untiring preparation. He never reckoned on the weakness 
of the opposing counsel. The lawyer on the other side, to 
him, was the supreme court of the state, and he prepared his 
case as if he already stood within the shadow of the portals 
of that high tribunal. 

No man ever held the profession in higher esteem, than 
Judge Pratt. He considered the profession of the law as a 
high and holy calling. To him it was not a mere vehicle to 
bring in money, although it was his only means of livelihood. 
To him the money getting feature of the profession was the 
incidental — the real, was the maintaining of a high standard 
of professional honor — the advancement of the law as a scien- 
tific adjustment of rights by appropriate remedies, the ulti- 
mate end of which was the triumph of the right, the con- 
fusion of the wrong. He believed that a lawyer was vmtrue 
to himself if he refused a cause because it was unpopular, or 
probably unprofitable, provided, always, that it was one 
that could be espoused without disgrace; and especially, if 
the client was without remedy against wrong unless 
a strong and disinterested arm was interposed to protect and 
save. The cases were almost innumerable where Judge 
Pratt was attorney, simply because he believed it was his 
duty to act ; cases where the cool, hard, commercial and 
more modern rule of professional ethics would have turned 
the client from the door because it was not business to be en- 
gaged in such a case. It made no difference to Judge Pratt 
Avhether the party to be attacked was rich or poor ; was of 
wide influence, or powerless to help or harm ; was high in 
authority or of lowly degree. Only one question weighed 
with him. Had the j)roposed client been injured in the 
rights which the laws of the land assured to him, and was he 
entitled to the relief he sought? In considering these ques- 
tions the parties were only A against B to him. And A 
against B they remained, so far as they influenced him in his 
decision or in the course he pursued. 

There was one other characteristic of Judge Pratt as a 
lawyer of which I would speak, and that was his almost rev- 
erence for the bench. I noticed this when I first knew him 
— he never lost it — and I believe his untimely death w^as 



106 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

largely due to his desire, as far as in him lay, to make real 
this ideal, thereby overtaxing his strength and preparing 
the way for the entrance of the grim destroyer. 

When the legal fight was on and the blood was hot ; 
when every nerve was strained — for Judge Pratt fought his 
legal battles with all the force and energy of his being — 
when the court was sweeping away pet theories and demol- 
ishing imx^regnable positions — Judge Pratt never for a 
moment forgot the respect due from the lawyer to the court. 
It made no difference to him upon whose shoulders had, for 
the time being, fallen the ermine robe, he only saw and rec- 
ognized the position, and that to him was a shrine — an altar. 
His respect for the bench was always met with a kindred 
respect from the bench, and it was a source of no little 
pride with him that his simple statement in a court of justice 
was always received with the highest consideration and 
respect. 

In the death of Judge Pratt, this bar has lost an able 
lawyer, an honorable practitioner, an honest man — and I, 
my oldest and best friend. 



TRIBUTE BY LUCAS COm^TY BAR ASSOCIATION. 



The Bar of Lucas county has lost one of its ablest and 
most honored members, and, with feelings of profound re- 
gret and sorrow, meet to present to the court, over which he 
has so ably presided, the sad information that this pioneer of 
the bar, this Christian gentleman, this distinguished lawyer 
and upright judge, has been called to his final rest, and will 
be seen of our mortal eyes no more. 

Judge Pratt was a descendant of Puritan ancestors. His 
father, Alpheus Pratt, moved from Massachusetts in 1819 to 
the state of New York, where Judge Pratt was born, near 
the city of Rochester, on January 15, 1828. The family 
moved from there in 1833 to the region in Michigan then 
known as "Bean Creek County," now known as Hudson. 
His father died there in 1884, at the ripe age of 91 years, and 
his mother exceeded that age before her death at the home 
of her son in Toledo a few years ago. 



Memorial. 107 



Judge Pratt's early life was passed in the rough and 
rugged pioneer country of the west, in a neighborhood in 
which white people were scarce, and the main population 
was a tribe of Pottowattomie Indians, whose camp adjoined 
his father's farm. Until he was 12 years of age, his educa- 
tion was entirely procured at home and from his parents. 
From 12 to 16 years of age, he attended the first school built 
in his neighborhood, and received such educational advan- 
tages as that crude and primitive temple afforded. He then 
entered a select school at Adrian, and afterwards the semin- 
ary at Albion, Mich., spending a part of each year in teach- 
ing, and thus earning the means of continuing his own 
education. He couimenced reading law in 1850 at Adrian, 
and soon after entered the law office of Hill & Perigo of this 
city as a student. After his admission to the bar he succeed- 
ed Mr. Perigo in the firm, which became Hill & Pratt, and 
thus continued until about 1870, although after 1861 when 
Gen. Hill entered the army, the latter's connection with the 
firm was but nominal. Mr. Pratt then entered into partner- 
ship with Charles G. Starr, which continued until July, 1872. 
In 1872 the firm became Pratt & Wilson. Mr. Charles G. 
Wilson, now a member of this bar, and one of your commit- 
tee, being the partner of Judge Pratt, and he continued in 
such relation until Judge Pratt's elevation to the bench in 
1895. From 1877 to 1879 the name of the firm was Pratt, 
Wilson & Potter, Mr. Erskine H. Potter of this bar being 
the junior member. In the latter year the firm consisted of 
Pratt, Wilson & Pratt, a son of Judge Pratt, Henry S. Pratt, 
becoming the junior member. He retired from the firm in 
1885, and the firm name became Pratt & Wilson again, and 
that continued until 1895, when the subject of our sketch as- 
sumed his position as judge of this court. Judge Pratt was 
elected as a judge of this court in 1894, and served the full 
term of five years. He declined a renomination, and resum- 
ed the practice but a few months before his death. 

He was married in 1857 to Catharine Sherring, who, with 
the seven children which blessed the marriage, suryive him 
and mourn their irreparable loss. Judge Pratt was a mem- 
ber of Westminster Presbyterian church in this city, and 
since its oraanization was one of its trustees. He was at one 



108 The Mawmee Valley Pioneer Association. 

time president of the Young Men's Christian Association of 
this city, and during his entire mature life was an active 
Christian worker. We ask your honors to preserve this 
brief historical sketch by spreading it upon your records. 
Meager as it is it can be ampliiied by those who knew Judge 
Pratt and his great success as a lawyer and a man. It fur- 
nishes another striking example of the possibilities of life in 
this ideal age and ideal government. Commencing life on 
the outposts of civilization, without wealth, without favor 
and without help, self-educated, self-sustained, he had only 
the honest precepts of a God fearing and loving father and 
mother, and the open field of American induqement to enter- 
prise, and upon these he builded the structure of the suc- 
cessful and enviable life which has just closed. 

Judge Pratt was an able and learned lawyer. His mind 
was peculiarly keen and receptive upon all of the principles 
of the law. During an active and extensive practice for 40 
years at the bar, he had mastered the fundamental elements 
and principles of the law, and had so systemized and stored 
them in his mind that he was always ready for any emer- 
gency in his practice. While not brilliant as an orator, in 
the sense that w4th rounded phrase and eloquent peroration 
he could sway men's feelings and passions, he was clear and 
forcible in debate, and on legal questions to a court, or ques- 
tions of fact to a jury, always a candid and able aid to either 
in the questions to be decided. He would not resort to any 
unprofessional or improper practice. He abhorred the petti- 
fogger and trickster. The honor of the profession was very 
dear to him. This naturally led him to be active in the Bar 
Associations of the county, state and nation, and his breth- 
ren honored him with the presidency of our county and state 
association, where his addresses have added much to the 
literature of the profession. 

His life was a conscientious life. He believed in the 
religion of Christianity, and thus believing, he humbly fol- 
lowed in the footsteps of the Master. His home life was an 
ideal one. His family was his great and satisfying happi- 
ness. He lived for them and of them. A loving husband, a 
kind and generous father ; he was to his wife and children 
their ideal of a perfect life. He was their tutor and he 



Memorial. 109 



taught by example. He was their head, and he ruled by 
love. He was their support, and generosity and unselfish- 
ness guided his hand. 

He was a public-spirited citizen, who loved his country 
and loved his state and city. He had strong convictions on 
all public questions, and was always ready to express them 
and to take part in their discussion. On political questions 
he believed in his party and was loyal to its doctrines, al- 
though charitable to its opponents. He was not a party 
man for sake of office. He never sought political office, and 
except as member of the city council, never held a purely 
political office. 

In whatever position he was, he bravely, faithfully and 
conscientiously performed his duty as he saw it and under- 
stood it, and we believe that his memory will be revered by 
his brethren of the bar and his fellow citizens who knew 
him as one whose life was well lived, and whose example 
may well be followed. 

We ask your honors to spread this poor tribute of his 
brethren of the bar to his deserving memory upon the records 
of the court. 



110 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



MEMORIAL 

— OF — 

FOSTER R. WARREN. 



From Sylvania Sun. 



Foster R. Warren, a pioneer resident of Lucas county, 
and for more than 68 years a citizen of Sylvania, passed 
peacefully away at the family residence Monday afternoon, 
June 11th, 1900. Mr. Warren had been ill for four years, 
and during the last two has been unable to attend to busi- 
ness. He was born in Wayne county, New York, July 9tli, 
1824, and was nearing his 76th year at the time of his death. 
He came of a large family, and the Warrens were well known 
and highly respected in the New York community from, 
whence they came. 

In 1833 Foster R,. Warren came to Sylvania with his 
father's family, being then eight years of age, and settled 
upon a farm near town, where they remained about one 
year. In 1834 the elder Warren entered the general mer- 
chandising business in Sylvania. In 1843 Foster R.. became 
a member of the firm, and the business was continued until 
1870. From 1871 to 1879 Mr. Warren operated a general 
store at Ottawa Lake, Michigan. 

In 1850 Mr. Warren was married to Julia A. Harwood, 
of Whiteford township, Michigan, who, with one son, Has- 
kell J., survive him. Mr. Warren was at one time a promi- 
nent figure in politics in Lucas County and the State of Ohio, 
and was recognized as a man whose judgment and advice 
was safe to follow, and was regarded as an upright, honest 
citizen. In 1882 he was elected treasurer of Lucas county, 
and served one full term as treasurer — 1883 and 1884. He 
was one of the first members of the city council of Sylvania, 
which was organized in 1857. He also served as county com- 
missioner of Lucas county for the two terms j)receding his 



Memorial. Ill 



election as county treasurer. During the war he was active 
in assisting the authorities, and was a member of the military 
committee appointed in '61 to co-operate with the govern- 
ment in raising troops and supplies. 

He was a charter member of Sylvania Lodge, F. and A. 
M., which was organized in 1856, and has for many years 
been a member of Toledo Commandery No. 7, K. T. He 
was also affiliated with other Toledo Masoni,.*. bodies. 

Foster K. Warren leaves many friends. He was one of 
the most congenial of men, always ready with a story and al- 
ways ready to listen to others as to relate one himself. Even 
his political opponents admired him for his honesty of pur- 
pose, and unflinching integrity. 

The funeral services were conducted from his late resi- 
dence, and were conducted under the Masonic rites, being 
immediately in charge of Toledo Commandery, Knights 
Templar. The remains were followed to their last resting 
place. Ravine Cemetery, by a very large .concourse of sor- 
rowing friends. 



112 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



■ BIOGRAPHY 

OF 

PETER W. APGER. 



BY A. P. 



Peter W. Apger, aged 82 years, was born June 10th, 
1818, in the state of New Jersey, was married in 1842 and 
emigrated to Ohio in 1847. 

He followed farming for a livelihood. He raised five 
children — three boys and two girls — all of whom are yet liv- 
ing and have homes of their OAvn, except one, Henry B,, 
having died recently. 

Henry B., was a soldier in the war of '61 to '65, served 
four years, and heard the last roll call May 30th, 1900. The 
rest of the boys were too young for soldiers in the time of the 
rebellion. 

Mr. Apger now makes his home with one of his daugh- 
ters at Haskins, Wood county, Ohio. He never used liquor 
and he is enjoying good health at this late date. 



Memorial. 113 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

DAVID BIERLY. 



BY H. B. BIBELT. 



David Bierly, aged 95 years, a pioneer of the Maumee 
Valley for 70 years, was born December 6th, 1805, in Brush 
Valley, Center county, Pennsylvania, and moved to Stark 
county, Ohio, in 1822. Here he married Magdalena Shulen- 
berger in 1825. They moved to Hancock county, Ohio, and 
in 1831 moved to Montgomery township, where he now re- 
sides, living with his son, H. B. Bierly. 

Mr. Bierly raised ten children, eight of whom are now 
living. The eldest daughter died in the state of Washington 
in 1890 ; the first son died young at the age of two years, and 
two of the sons were soldiers in the war of '61 to '65. His 
grandfather came frow Prussia 200 years ago and setttled in 
Pennsylvania. He has always voted the Whig or Republican 
ticket, and is a charter member of the Republican party. 
He has voted for eighteen presidents and he hopes to live to 
vote again for William McKinley. He has never used liquor, 
only in medicine. He has been a farmer and a doctor, prac- 
ticing medicine for fifty years ; has cleared over 200 acres of 
land in his time and has lived on the present farm over fifty 
years. In early times when he was called out to see a sick 
patient and had to travel after night, the wolves would fol- 
low him. At one time he was out with a one-horse sled and 
he had his dog with him, and the wolves attacked the dog 
and he had no weapon, only an ax. He jumped off the sled 
with the ax and fought off the wolves to save his dog. 

His wife and two small children being at home alone 
one rainy day, and not more than forty rods north of the 
house the wolves howled in broad daylight. They were quite 
plenty those times, you could hear them every night. All 
kinds of game was plenty, also snakes ; those we feared the 



114 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

most were the rattlesnakes. The mosquitos were so bad 
you would have to build a smoke fire or you couldn't sleep. 
Then those big flies called the bone pickers by us, they would 
bite the cattle so they would bellow, and as for sickness 
everybody had the ague, and sometimes every person in a 
whole family, so they were unable to wait on each other. 
But everybody was kind and accommodating as far as they 
were able. 

We had to go to Lower Sandusky, now called Fremont, 
to mill, and it would take from three to five days with an 
ox team. We always had to cut some of the roads so as to 
get there and back, and then it would be only a few bushels 
of corn and buckwheat that we had ground. We mostly eat 
potatoes, beans, hog and hominy, wild game, wild honey, 
and home-made sugar and molasses. 



Biography. ^ 115 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

MICHAEL BAUGHMAN. 



Michael Baughman, aged 89 years, a pioneer of Wood, 
Seneca and Medina counties for 81 years, was born in York 
county, Pennsylvania, February 26th, 1811. 

When I was eight years old my father moved to Medina 
county, Ohio, where he entered 160 acres of land. Here we 
had plenty of Indians for neighbors, there was no hostilities 
with them then, they were friendly and sociable. 

There was plenty of wild game those times. I helped 
father clear and improve the land until I was 22 years old 
and then I commenced for myself. In 1830 I bought 80 acres 
of heavy timber land, built my log cabin and got married 
January 27, 1831 to Elizabeth Welthan ; then I set- 
tled on my place, improved it, sold out, moving to Seneca 
county after I sold there, bought 100 acres in Center town- 
ship in 1865, sold that and moved to Bowling Green in 1891, 
where I now live. I followed farming until I came to Bow- 
ling Green and am now a carpet weaver. I have raised 18 
children, and only two boys and three girls are yet living. 
I have been married four times' and my present wife is 71 
years old. We both belong to the U. B. church. I first be- 
longed to the Baptist. I have been a church member for 
45 years and haved never used tobacco or liquor. 

My first presidential vote was cast for Jackson in 1832 ; 
the last one for McKinley in 1896, and I hope to vote for Mc- 
Kinley again. 



116 ' The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

WINFIELD S. BRIGHAM. 



BY J. S. BRIGHAM. 



Winfield S. Brigham, aged 86, was born in Otsego 
county, State of New York, December 30th, 1814, and moved 
from Dunkirk, New York, to Ohio in 1836. He settled in 
Fulton county, Ohio, in 1852, and came to Bowling Green, 
Wood county to reside with his son, J. S. Brigham, in No- 
vember, 1895. 

Mr. W. S. Brigham was married in 1837, and raised 
eight children. One of his sons. Col. J. H. Brigham, served 
through the entire war of '61 to '65, and is now Assistant 
Secretary of Agriculture at Washington, D. 0. 



MemoTiai. llT 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

ELIZABETH B. CALLIN. 



Elizabeth B. Callin was born November 28th, 1817, in 
Pennsylvania, near Gettysburg, and came with her parents 
to Ashland county, Ohio, in 1832. She was married to Wil- 
liam Callin in 1837, and moved to Huron county, in 1849. 
She came to Bowding Green in 1862, and has been a resident 
of that place ever since. She is the mother of six children, 
five sons and one daughter. Three sons enlisted in 1862 in 
the civil war, and served until the close. 

Mother Callins united with the M. E. Church in 1852, 
and has been a constant member ever since. Her present 
residence is on Liberty street, Bowling Green, and her 
general health is good. She is now 83 years of age. 



118 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Associatimi. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

DR. THOMAS S. CARMEN. 



BY A. PHILLIPS. 



Dr. Thomas S. Carmen, aged 92 years, a resident of 
Wood county for 64 years, now lives at Bradner. He was 
born in Maryland April lOtli, 1808. He practiced medicine, 
sold merchandise and carried on farming. He is a great 
horseman, his delight being fine and fast horses, but has 
never lost his head over them. He has carried on farming to 
a large extent, and at present owns hundreds of acres of 
land. He has had the misfortune of losing his first and 
second wives, and now lives with his third wife. He has 
raised a large family, and has done very much to help im- 
prove Wood county. 



Biography. Il9 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

SALMON S. CARTER. 



I was born in the township of Ravenna, county of Por- 
tage, State of Ohio, May 5th, 1826. My father's name was 
Philo Carter. 

In October of the year 1840, I came with my father to 
Wing township, Lucas county, Ohio, now Swanton township. 
I lived with my father in said township until the 5th day of 
May, 1847. Being then 21 years of age, I began life for my- 
self, working out for neighbors in the vicinity of our home. 
On the 10th day of July, 1847, I entered, at the land oflfice at 
Upper Sandusky, a tract of land comprising 40 acres, the 
same being very near to the land now used and occupied by 
E. 0. Brailey as a general store in Swan Creek. I made my 
home with Thomas Gleason, of the same township, from the 
time I entered upon said tract of land for the purpose of 
clearing and improving the same, until the month of June, 
1848. 

In the summer of ] 848, P. R. Lewis, who came with his 
family into said township, helped me to erect a small cabin 
on my land, and after the cabin v^as finished, the Lewis fam- 
ily and I occupied it together until the month of September, 
1848, when Lewis moved into a cabin of his own. From Sep- 
tember, 1848, to March, 1849, I made my home with P. R. 
Lewis and family in his cabin. 

On the 19th day of January, 1849, I was married to 
Lucinda Cass, and in the month of March following my mar- 
riage with her, we took up our abode in our cabin home. 
My wife and I lived in our cabin until the year 1852, when 
we moved to the home of my wife's parents, Joel and Chris- 
tina Cass, of the same township. We resided at the home 
of my wife's parents until the 13th day of March, 1854, at 
which time we moved to Amboy township, where we resided 
until about 16 years ago. 



120 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

In the year 1883 we moved from our farm in Amboy to 
our home in Swan Creek township, where I still reside. My 
wife, Lucinda Carter, departed this life at our home in Swan 
Creek township. May 1st, 1899, leaving five children, the 
issue of our marriage, all of whom are living, as follows : 
Electa LaBounty, Swanton, Ohio ; Ellen Halsey, Swan Creek 
township, Fulton county, Ohio; Fannie K. Roberts, Swan 
Creek township, Fulton county, Ohio; and Lincoln and 
Ashley Carter, of York township, Fulton county, Ohio. 



Mertiorial. 121 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

LEWIS CRAMER. 



Lewis Cramer, aged 70 years, a pioneer of the Maumee 
Valley for 44 years, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, 
April 6th, 1830, was married to Jennie Black in 1855, and in 
1856 moved to Hancock County and bought 160 acres of land 
which was heavily timbered. He improved this farm for 21 
year. I had paid $1,500 for it when I got it and at the 
end of 21 years I sold it for $10,000. In 1877 I moved to 
Bowling Green and went into the flouring mill business and 
continued in the mill business until April 15^ 1899, when I 
sold out on account of poor health, being crippled with 
rheumatism which has confined me to the house up to the 
present day. 

I underwent all the hardships of pioneer life and had 
but very little schooling, what I did get was in a log school 
house, two or three months in the winter. 

My wife died four years ago, leaving an adopted child 
which we raised from infancy, never having had children 
of our own. I have been a constant member of the U. B. 
Church for 50 years, never used liquor or tobacco and voted 
the Republican and sometimes the Prohibition ticket. 



122 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

MRS. CATHERINE DONZEY. 



BY A. PHILLIPS. 



Mrs. Catherine Donzey, a pioneer of this country for 58 
years, was born in Brocal, France, June 23, 1820. She emi- 
grated to America, and settled in Maumee. Mrs. Donzey 's 
maiden name was Merchand, and united in marriage with 
Frederick Donzey at Maumee in 1842. They settled near 
Bowling Green. To them were born eight children, three 
girls and five boys, seven of whom grew to men and woman- 
hood. 

Mr. Donzey was a stonemason by trade, but later bought 
80 acres of land in Liberty township, and followed farming 
until death, which occurred September 7th, 1889. Mrs. 
Donzey has made her home with her son, and they now live 
in Bowling Green, Ohio. Mrs. Donzey belonged to the 
Methodist church, but for the last 35 years has belonged to 
the Disciple church. She is now in her 80th year, and en- 
joys reasonably good health for one of her age. 



Biography. 123 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

SOLOMON FAYLOR. 



Solomon Fay lor, aged 80 years, a pioneer of Wood 
County, Ohio, for 55 years, was born in Pike Township, 
Stark County, Ohio, March 1st, 1820, was united in marriage 
to Rebecca Walten June 15, 1813. Moved to Wood County 
and settled in Freedom Township, one mile west of Pember- 
ville, right in the wood, April 3rd, 1845. To us was born 
four children. My wife died January 1st, 1850. 

Married my second wife Heneretta Finlay, April 15, 
1853, just ten years after my iirst marriage to the very day, 
with whom I am living yet. To us was born three children. 

I was a farmer, tended saw mill a number of years and 
underwent all the hardships of pioneer life. I presume that 
I cut more grain with the old fashioned sickle and cradle 
than any man in Wood County. I made it a business of 
cutting grain by the acre. I am a member of the Republican 
party, my first presidential vote was cast for Henry Clay in 
1844, the last for Wm. McKinley, and I expect to vote for 
McKinley again. 



124 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

ANDREW J. GARDNER. 



Dr. Andrew J. Gardner, of Grand Rapids, might be 
styled a junior pioneer, having been a resident at the Rapids 
since 1853, except one year he was absent at Cleveland. 

He was born near Youngstown, Ohio, July 19, 1827. He 
received a common school education such as the country and 
village of Youngstown afforded in those days. At 16 years 
of age he .commenced the study of medicine with Dr. F. 
Woodbridge three years, and nearly two years with Dr. T. 
Garlick, eminent physicians in their day. Dr. T. Garlick 
was the first man in the United States to demonstrate the ar- 
tificial propagation of fishes, which was the forerunner of 
the government's great fish hatcheries. In the meantime 
Dr. Gardner attended lectures at the medical department of 
Western Reserve College (now University) at Cleveland, O., 
and graduated in 1848, and commenced practice at Sheron, 
Pennsylvania. He returned to Youngstown and ended his 
active practice at the Rapids in 1859. 

In the Fail of '61 the late George Laskey wrote him at 
Cleveland to return, and with his firm put in a drug store, 
and they were partners for 33 years until Mr. Laskey was in- 
capacitated for business, when the doctor bought out his 
interest. He is now alone in the business, and is the oldest 
druggist in active work on the Maumee river, except Mr. 
Bulfington at Defiance. 

Politically he is a Republican, religiously a Presbyter- 
ian, and a 9th degree Mason, belonging to Toledo Council No. 
33, Royal and Select Masters. He never held any public 
oflice except councilman and school director in the village. 
As to nationality, a "highmix" of Dutch, Irish and Yankee — 
the latter predominating. 



Memorial. 125 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

L. D. GEORGE. 



Mr. George was born in Livingston County, in the State 
of New York, June 29, 1817. 

In 1819 his parents emigrated to Ohio ; they moved all 
the way with an ox team. 

They first stopped at Bellevue, wishing to enter land in 
Senaca County, which was not in market yet. He failed to 
get the place he wanted, so then he bought 80 acres in San- 
dusky County ; it was heavily timbered ; he improved that for 
eight years, sold that, then entered 160 acres of heavy timber 
land ; built a cabin and moved in and improved that. When 
young L. D. George became of age his father gave him 40 
acres. Now as we always lived in a new country and as I 
had to help clear and improve the land I got but very little 
schooling. I commenced to improve the land and worked 
four others at 50 cents a day. I concluded to get help, got 
acquainted with Jane C. Tillet, got married October 10th, 
1839. By this time I had built me a cabin ; we moved in 
and commenced housekeeping. Wife cooking on an old fash- 
ioned fire place. By this union tliere were five children, two 
girls and three boys, three of the children are living yet. I 
have filled a good many to^vnship offices and also as post- 
master. I have been a member of the M. E. Church for 28 
years. Moved to Bowling Green in July, 1889. 

My father was a soldier in the war of 1812. He raised a 
family of 14 children, 8 of whom are living yet. Father died 
at the age of 81 years. I have lived with my present wife 
over 61 years and we are enjoying reasonable good health for 
our ages. 



126 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

MRS. JANE GORRILL. 



Mrs. Jane Gorrill, aged 88, was born in Pennsylvania, 
May 20, 1812. With her parents she moved to Perry county, 
Ohio, in 1816, where she grew up to womanhood. 

Her father, James Higgins, was born in Ireland, and 
emigrated to America when he was 19 years of age, for 
which his father disinherited him. Her mother was a Mc- 
Clelland and was born in Pennsylvania. 

She was married to David W. Pugh in 1834. • Five sons 
and three daughters were born to them, of whom two only, 
Mrs. J. J. Hopper and Mrs. Eva Clague, are living. 

She moved with her husband and family to Wood 
county in 1855, and has been a resident of the county ever 
since. One son, John, served four years in the War of the 
Rebellion, belonging to the 14th O. V. I., and another, Jesse, 
served in the 144th O. V. I. 

She was left a widow in 1857. In 1863 she was united in 
marriage to William Gorrill, with whom she lived until 1875, 
when he, too, was taken. 

Mrs. Gorrill is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church in Bowling Green, of which 
she has been a faithful member for about 45 years. She has 
lived a long and 'useful life and is respected b}^ all who know 
her. 



Biography. 127 



BIOGRAPHY 

OF 

JOHN GROVES. 



BY A. PHILLIPS. 



Mr. John Groves was born April 13th, 1800, in the State 
of Virginia, and emigrated to Pickaway County, Ohio, 
where he married in 1833. Groves moved to Wood County, 
entered 160 acres of la^nd in what was then Portage Town- 
ship, built his cabin and improved the same. His mother, 
two brothers and one sister also moved to Wood County, the 
young men's names were William and Henry, the sister's 
name was Eliza, who later married Caleb Mercer. When 
the township was divided John Groves named Liberty 
Township, Dr. Mannill named Plain Township, Adam 
Phillips named Center Township, that was 1835. Mr. Calister 
Haskins had to keep the old name of Portage. Haskins 
wanted one township named Haskins. 

Mr. Groves was the first justice of the peace of Liberty 
Township. Mr. Groves raised four children, two boys and 
two girls. After he was 80 years old he retired and lived 
at North Baltimore with one of his children until 1893 when 
he went to Rally, Missouri, to live with his son Charley. He 
was a strong Democrat, voted for Jackson in 1824. He was 
a temperate man and a jolly and loved citizen, and believed 
in the Universalist doctrine. He was hale and hearty the last 
I heard of him in 1899, he lived in Wood County nearly 60 
years. 



128 The Maumee Yalley Pioneer Associatioi 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

ANDREW HAYES. 



BY A. PHILLIPS. 



Andrew Hayes, aged 82 years, a pioneer of Wood County 
for 66 years, was born May 6th, 1818, in Pennsylvania, came 
with his parents to Wood County, Ohio, in 1834 at the age of 
16 years. He got very little schooling, only what he had 
before he came there. He was obliged to work and help his 
father improve the place. At the age of 19 he was converted 
then he studied for the ministry. He was united in marriage 
October 10, 1844, to Caroline Thomas. They went to keeping 
house in a log cabin in 1845. Mr. Hayes was licensed to 
preach and also followed school teaching in the winter at $12 
a month, which was hardly enough to provide for the needs 
of himself and wife. He has probably preached more funeral 
sermons and married more couples than any one man in 
Wood County. He was a regular preacher for over 50 years. 
By his first wife he had four children, two boys and two girls. 
His wife died September 28, 1872. 

October 17, 1873, Mr. Hayes married the widow, Jane 
Thomas, whose former name was Jane York, by this union 
they had one son. 

Mr. Hayes is widely known and highly respected. He 
now lives a retired life on his farm of 117 acres. His first 
presidential vote was cast for Harrison in 1840, and the last 
one was for McKinley, although he has been voting the 
Prohibition ticket and has made many prohibition speeches. 
He lives in Montgomery Township. 



Biography. 129 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

GEORGE HOPPER. 



BY J. J. H. 



A short sketch of the life and experiences of George 
Hopper and wife iu the early history of Wood county. 

George Hopper was born in Kent county, England, in 
the early part of the year 1808. He was the first of his 
father's family to come to the United States, in the year 
1828. In a short time he became acquainted with Miss Anna 
Robins, and they were united in marriage in 1830. 

They started out in life with no capital save a pair of 
willing hearts and two pairs of ready hands, to cope with the 
ups and downs of life. They remained in the State of New 
York, the birth place of Mrs. Hopper, until about the year 
1836, when they concluded to go to the far west, as it was 
then called. At this time they gathered their few effects 
together and came to Wood county. 

They first located in Perrysburg, where Mr. Hopper went 
to work for Holister & Co. He worked for that firm until 
about August, 1839. By this time by steady work and the 
help of his good wife and great economy, he saved enough to 
pay for 160 acres of good land in Troy township. Did I say 
good land? Yes, good land, but there were a few things to 
be considered which were at least very inconvenient. This 
land was three miles from the nearest road, covered with a 
dense forest, and also at some seasons of the year with water, 
and no means of drainage. So after the land was paid for, 
it was somewhat short of a paradise. About September of 
the same year they built a small log house, which was a very 
rude affair. The floor was made of puncheon, which were 
made by splitting logs into slabs from three to five inches 
thick. This of course would not make a very smooth surface 
for a floor. The side walls were of round logs, the roof was 



130 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

made of shakes split thin and weighted down with poles to 
prevent the wind from blowing them off, which on several 
occasions was not a success. However they moved into their 
little house. They remained there vmtil the next summer, 
living as best they could on their scanty supplies and wild 
game. 

At this time they were compelled on account of food 
supplies running short to leave their new home. They mov- 
ed to Miami, in Lucas county, working most of the time for 
a man by the name of Smith until the Autumn of 1842. 
During this time Mr. Hopper met with a very painful acci- 
dent, being gored in the side by a cow. This disabled him 
for a long time. In October, 1842, they again returned to 
their new home in the woods. 

At this time the writer (his son) was three years old, 
and of course the above is what I remember from hearing it 
talked about at home in later years. But from this time I 
remember so many interesting incidents that I cannot speak 
of in this article lest it would be too long. 

However, amidst mosquitos, fever and ague, poverty and 
other drawbacks, they struggled on for a number of years. 
For six years their nearest neighbor was three miles distant. 
Mrs. Hopper spun woolen yarn, wove the cloth, cut and 
made the clothing for the family, many a time working until 
midnight by the light of the old tallow dip candle, which she 
manufactured with her own hands. 

In the year 1848, on account of sickness, they had to 
sell 80 acres of their land, which had cost them .nearly $400, 
receiving but $200. They lived to make a good farm of the 
remaining 80 acres. 

There were nine children born to them, two, the first 
and fourth, died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Hopper both liv- 
ed to see the other seven married and settled in life. Mr. 
Hopper died in January, 1878, aged 70 years. Mrs. Hopper 
died two years later aged 72 years. 

When I consider the hardships the old pioneers under- 
went to make this wilderness country to bud and blossom as 
the rose, for our enjoyment, I sometimes think we do not 
appreciate what they have done for us as we should. I be- 
lieve God gave them this work to do, and they have done it 
well, 



Biography . 131 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

MICHAEL IRELAND. 



BY A. PHILLIPS. 



Michael Ireland, aged 94, a pioneer of the Maumee Val- 
ley for 68 years, was born in Harrison's Bend, Rockingham 
County, Virginia, September 20, 1806, and came with his 
parents to Ohio, in 1810. They settled in Galopolis in Gallia 
County, on the Ohio River. Mr. Ireland came to Maumee in 
1826. He worked for Hubbel, at Miami. In 1827 they bought 
500 logs on the Blanchard in Hancock County, on November 
27, 1827. He helped drive those logs through to Michigan 
for sale there ; they crossed the Maumee river at Waterville. 

Mr. Ireland was united in marriage to Ellen Ritchenson 
at Maumee, July 27, 1831. To them were born six children, 
three boys and three girls. Mrs. Ireland died at Maumee, 
December, 1848. The three boys were all soldiers in the 
war of 1861 to 1865. He married his second wife, Ann 
Hansen, in 1849, in Maumee City. By this union was born six 
children, five boys and one girl. His second wife died in 
Topeka, Kansas, in 1874, where he then lived. He came to 
Bowling Green the 17th day of March 1876, and lived here 
ever since. He followed farming for a living. He never 
used tobacco nor alcohol, is now in his 94th year and enjoy- 
ing good health, for one of his age. His memory is remarkably 
good, although his hearing and sight is poor. His first presi- 
dential vote was for Adams in 1828, and the last one for 
McKinley, and he hopes to vote for McKinley again. He 
has voted at 18 presidential elections. 



132 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

MRS. JOHNSTON. 



BY A. PHILLIPS. 



Mrs. Johnston, aged 91 years, a pioneer of the Maumee 
Valley for 56 years. Mrs. Johnston was formerly Miss Annie 
Marie Hotchkiss, was born in Norfolk, Litchfield County, 
State of Connecticut, May 9, 1809. Was united in marriage 
to Cyrus W. Johnston in 1833, and moved to Maumee Valley 
in 1844. By this union were born seven children, six girls and 
one boy ; the son died young. Mr. Johnston died June 6th, 
1891 ; the six girls are all living and married. Mrs. John- 
ston has made her home with her children since Mr. John- 
ston's death. She now lives in Bowling Green with her 
daughter, Mrs. Isaac Carrick. Mrs. Johnston united with 
the Methodist Church at the age of 12 years and has been a 
faithful member for 79 years. She walks one-half mile to 
church, regular, nearly every Sabbath ; her memory is good 
and she enjoys good health. Last summer she walked three 
miles, and heard two sermons jjreached on one Sabbath. 
She can read, sew, knit and quilt remarkably well yet. 



biography. ISS 



BIOGRAPHY 

OF — 

GEORGE KIMBERLIN. 



George Kimberlin was born January 11, 1824, in Hun- 
tington county, Pennsylvania. He came to Wood county, 
Ohio, in 1831. Coming to a new country while a lad, he had 
but meagre educational advantages, receiving only such in- 
struction as was usual to the pioneer children of that day. 
At the age of 25 he received one year's training in the school 
at Perry sburg, which followed by subsequent reading and 
self-application, made himself a well informed and practical 
business man. 

In 1856 he was married to Miss Adeliza Olney. After 
his marriage, Mr. Kimberlin settled on a farm near Grand 
Rapids, where he remained until the Fall of 1871, when he 
was elected Treasurer of Wood county, serving four years. 

Mr. Kimberlin, in the dark days of 1864, left the plough 
in the forenoon, shouldered his musket and went to the 
front, to bear an honorable part in defense of his country. 
He enlisted in May, 1864, in Co. I, 144th O. V. I. He be- 
came Second Lieutenant of that company, and took part in 
the bayonet charge at Monocacy, Maryland. He was dis- 
charged in September of that year, 1864. 

Mr. Kimberlin died November 3, 1899. He was one of 
the most widely known and highly respected citizens of 
Wood county. He was identified with the Baptist church, 
and in politics was a Republican. 



134 The Maiunee Valley Pioneer Association. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

GEORGE MERCER. 



BY AARON PHILLIPS. 



George Mercer, a pioneer of 88 years was born April 27, 
1803, in the State of Pennsylvania in Lancaster County ; was 
united in marriage with Jane Montgomery in 1825, Moved 
to Wood County, Ohio, arrived here in May 1833, entered 
320 acres of land in Liberty Township, (on what is now Liberty 
Township,) at that time it was Portage, until 1836, when it 
was divided into four townships. Mr. Mercer resided on this 
place until his death which occurred September 1st, 1890 ; 
his wife having died in 1857. By this union they had 12 
children, all grew up to men and women, six boys and six 
girls. Four of the boys were soldiers of the war of '61 to '65. 
All got back home. His first presidential vote was cast for 
Adams in 1824, and the last was for Ben Harrison in 1888, 
(he had six sons who voted for Harrison in 1888). He was 
one of the number who helped raise Buckeye log cabin at 
Fort Meigs in 1840. Mr. Mercer has held many township 
offices, being justice of the peace for many years. 

Mr. Mercer united with the Disciple or Christian Church 
in 1845. He also aided and helped to support the United 
Brethren Church as well as being charitable and willing to 
assist in all things in his power. He endured the hardships 
of pioneer life without complaining, and was always ready 
to extend a helping hand to the needy. 



Biography. IsS 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

CHARLES MERCER. 



BY A. PHILLIPS. 



Charles Mercer, aged 74, a pioneer of Wood county for 64 
years, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, April 22, 1826, 
and came to Wood county with his parents, who settled in 
Liberty township in September 1834. His father, William 
Mercer, entered 160 acres of land. He died in 1839. Charles 
lived on the same farm, and was married to Trease Jane 
Montgomery in 1855. They had six children, three of whom 
grew to manhood. Mr. Mercer saw and endured the hard- 
ships of pioneer life, fighting mosquitos and shaking with the 
ague. At the age of 18 years he joined the Christian or Dis- 
ciple church, of which he has been a member ever since. Mr. 
Mercer entered 80 acres of land after he was 21 years old. 
He has always voted the Republican ticket. He bought 
property in Bowling Green in 1888, where he removed, and 
leads the life of a retired farmer. 



136 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

CALEB MERCER. 



Caleb Mercer, aged 86 years a pioneer of Wood county 
for 66 yearvS, was born March 24, 1814. He moved with his 
parents from Columbiana county, Ohio, to Liberty township, 
Wood county, in 1834, and entered 160 acres in Liberty and 
160 acres in Portage townships. They settled in Liberty, 
built their log cabin, and improved this. His father's name 
was William Mercer, and died in 1839 aged 62 years. A Mr. 
Lancy preached the funeral- sermon, and he baptized my 
mother-in-law and I the Sunday I was married to Eliza 
Graves, April 6th, 1837. 

John Graves, her brother, was the first Justice of the 
Peace in Liberty township, and he performed the ceremony. 
We were the first couple to be married in the township. I 
built a cabin on the 160 acres entered in Portage township, 
and moved in and improved it. I sold out and bought 240 
acres four miles west of Portage, all heavily timbered, and 
moved there. By my first wife we had five children, four 
boys and one girl. One of the boys was a soldier in the war 
of '61 to '65. Mrs. Mercer died in 1880. 

I bought property in Bowling Green in 1882, and was 
married to wife number two. We reside in Bowling Green. 
I have been united with the Disciple or Christian church for 
40 years. I also helped to organize the U. B. churcli in Lib- 
erty township. My first presidential vote was cast for Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison in 1836, the last one so far for William 
McKinley. I have voted at 17 presidential elections. I 
have held many township offices, but none for the last four 
years. I have been confined to the house in feeble health. 



Biography. 137 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

MARY RUSS. 



BY A. PHILLIPS. 



Mary Russ, aged 83, a pioneer of Wood County, for 63 
years, was born in the State of New Jersey, November 7th, 
1817 ; was married to James Russ November 30, 1834. They 
moved to Wood County, Ohio, in 1837, and entered 40 acres 
of hmd in Milton Township, on which they built a log cabin 
and improved the same. By this marriage they had six 
children, four boys and two girls ; two of the boys were 
soldiers in the war of '61 to '65. One of them was taken 
prisoner and died, the other returned home. There are four 
children still living. Mr. Russ died at the age of 83 years in 
1897, since which time Mrs. Russ has been making her home 
with her daughter, Mrs. S. L. Lang, in Bowling Green. She 
united with the Methodist Church at the age of 15 years and 
has been a faithful member for 68 years. 



138 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

MRS. ANNIE POTTER. 



BY A. PHILLIPS. 



Mrs. Annie Potter, (formerly Annie Glassford) aged 87 
years, a pioneer of 35 years, was born in Augusta, Canada, 
January 13, 1813, and moved to St. Lawrence, State of New 
York. She was was married to E,. G. Potter in 1832. 

In 1865 they moved to Wood County and first settled at 
Portage, and moved to Bowling Green in 1887. To them- 
were born eight cliildren, only two daughters are living and 
they are married. Mr. Potter died in Bowling Green, Aug. 
18, 1889. Mrs. Potter has made her home with her daughter 
ever since. 

Mrs. Potter's memory and eyesight are good and she en- 
joys good health ; walks to church regular and seems to be 
good for many years yet. 



Biography. 139 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

MRS. D. M. POINERT. 



BY A. PHILLIPS. 



Mrs. D. M. Poinert, aged 84 years, a pioneer of Wood 
County, for 52 years. Frederick Poinert and wife were both 
born in Germany. Mr. Poinert died at the age of 51 years, 
in Plain Township in 1855. 

Mrs. Davis Meahe Poinert was united in marriage to 
Frederick Poinert in Plain Township, Wood County in 1848, 
and lived near the Bell school house until 1884, when she 
moved to Bowling (rreen. She joined the German Lutheran 
Church when 14 years of age, and has been a faithful mem- 
ber for the past 70 years. 



140 TTie Maumee Yalley Pioneer Association. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

MARMADUKE W. PRAY. 



BY L. A. 



Marmaduke W. Pray, of Whitehouse, Ohio, was a son 
of Archibald and Harriet (Myers) Pray, and was of the 
Rhode Island branch of the Pray family. He was born May 
12th, 1826, in Otsego county, New York. 

He came with his parents and two sisters, Lovina and 
Helen, to the Maumee Valley in the Spring of 1831. They 
settled on the west branch of Swan Creek, three and one- 
half miles west of the village of Waterville. They left 
Richfield, New York, traveling with horses and wagon to 
Utica, N. Y., where they took boat on Erie canal to Buffalo, 
N. Y. At that place they took a steamboat, landing at 
Miami, being 21 days on the road. His father, after looking 
around for some time, succeeded in getting a Frenchman to 
take them to Waterville, the conveyance being a horse and 
cart, arriving at Waterville sometime in the evening, stop- 
ping with the late John Pray, Esq., and remained there sev- 
eral days previous to going to the farm. 

His father erected their first house, the structure being 
of logs with a ground floors, no windows, a place open for 
entrance, with a blanket for a door, and living in that until 
the next summer, when they were able to place a puncheon 
floor in their house, a board door with a wooden latch raised 
with a string, and clay and stick chimney. They lived in 
that until the following year, when they had the misfortune 
of having their house burned, losing nearly all the contents, 
including about 40 bushels of wheat that had been threshed 
with a flail and fanned with a sheet, for fanning mills were 
scarce, also the same amount of potatoes. They were com- 
pelled to go to the neighbors for aid, which were from three 



Biography. 141 

and one-half to 60 miles apart, among whom we can mention 
the names of Crosby, Flory, Howard, Winslow and Rake- 
straw. 

The following year they built a log cabin which made 
them more comfortable, where they resided until the Spring 
of 1852, He then removed to the farm where he now re- 
sides on November 18. The same year he was united in 
marriage with Mrs. Hettie M. Kimber. To them were born 
one son and one daughter, both living, Mrs. George Foncan- 
non, of Liberty Center, and Archibald, who now resides with 
his parents. Thus he can say with other pioneers of the 
Maumee Valley, "I know what a pioneer life is." 



142 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

GILES C. ROCKWOOD. 



BY MKS. NEARING. 



Giles 0. Rockwood, the subject of this sketch, was born 
in Jefferson County, N. Y., August 19, 1819. He came to 
Lorain County, Ohio, with his parents when he was about 
eight years old. When old enough he learned the trade of 
cabinet maker, and also house builder, which occupation he 
followed for a number of years. 

Mr. Rockwood was married May 30, 1845, to Miss Laura 
A. Wack, who was born in Dorset, Vt., February 19, 1819. 
In 1852 he went to California where he remained eleven 
months, going and coming via. the Panama route, after this 
making his home in Lorain County until 1864, when he re- 
moved to Wood County and located on a farm in Plain 
Township, where he is living with his wife at the present 
time. 



Biography. 143 



BIOGRAPHY 

. — OF — 

JOHN N. SCOFIELD. 



BY W. T. C. 



Among the many strong willed and energetic men, who 
in an early day became residents of the Maumee Valley, none 
will have a greater impress of his personality upon those who 
knew him than John Newbiirry Scofield, w^ho was born in 
Seneca County, N. Y., August 80, 1814. His parents Benja- 
min and Sally Scofield, were both natives of New York. 
When he was but three years of age, his parents, with their 
children, left Seneca County and came to Ohio, settling in 
Strongsville Township, Cuyahoga County, where his father 
purchased a tract of wild land, upon which he commenced 
an improvement, although his former occupation was that of 
carpenter. In the family of Benjamin Scofield, there were 
thirteen children, John, the subject of this sketch, being the 
eighth in the order of birth. John lived with his parents 
until he was of age, partaking of the hardships incident to 
pioneer life. The wild Indians roamed the forests, which 
was as yet little broken. During these years he acquired a 
good common school education and was judged capable of 
teaching young ideas how to shoot, in which business he was . 
for a time engaged. On attaining his majority, he went to 
Cleveland to learn the carpenter trade. This was in 1835, 
when that city was but a small town. Here he worked at 
his trade six or seven year^, although he at times taught 
school and labored on the farm in various parts ,of Cuyahoga 
County. The first red letter day in Mr. Scofield's career, 
came while teaching school in the adjoining township of 
Independence, where he fell in love with Miss Anna Staff ord, 
one of his pupils, to whom he was married on the 6th of 
September, 1838. From this time until 1855 he was variously 
employed, part of the time on his father's farm, then at his 



144 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

trade. Then he bought, a piece of land and improved it, but 
in 1855 he sold out and came to Henry County, locating at 
Ridgeville Corners, where he purchased a saw mill property, 
completed the mill, and set the machinery in motion. This 
he owned and operated for about 21 years, and never was a 
mill run with greater energy, nor with greater profit to its 
owner. In other branches of business, he has displayed the 
same tireless activity. In 1878 he started a store of general 
merchandise at Ridgeville, which he conducted some ten or 
twelve years, conducting an honorable, upright business. 
Retiring from this avocation, he has since lived a quiet life 
enjoying the fruits of his labor. In 1861 under Abraham 
Lincoln's administration, he was chosen postmaster, serving 
three or four years, when he resigned. He was again ap- 
pointed by President Hayes and served until 1887. 

In the year following that, in which Mr. Scofield became 
a resident of Henry County, his wife, Anna, was taken away 
by death. She bore him six children, all of whom are now 
(1899) all dead. In December, 1858, Mr. Scofield again en- 
tered the bonds of matrimony and was united to Margaret 
N. Harring, of Port Byron, N. Y. She died March, 1886. 
December 30, 1886, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Harris, 
of Ridgeville, Avho, now, at this writing, lies a helpless, in- 
curable victim of creeping para-lysis. Among all the men 
who have ever been residents of Ridgeville, none have been 
so instrumental in building up and improving the beautiful 
little village of Ridgeville as he. Although badly crippled, 
Mr. Scofield still lives to enjoy in some degree, the fruits of 
his labor. At the age of 86 he shows no diminution of 
mental activity. Although Mr. Scofield's political convic- 
tions have not been in accord with a majority of the voters of 
his township, yet his personal standing has been such as to 
break down party lines and place him in some of its most 
important offices. He lias never been what is called a politi- 
cian, nor has he ever, while in office, sought to advance his 
own or his party's interests at the expense of the opposing 
party. He has been an uncompromising Republican from 
the incipiency of that organization. It is well remembered 
by the older citizens of Henry County, that he was once a 
candidate for the office of Probate Judge, and made a good 



Biography. 145 

run, although pitted against one of the strongest Democrats 
of the county — James G. Haly, 

Mr. Scofield has ever been a strong Baptist, and although 
there has never been an organization of that faith in Ridge- 
ville, yet he has never seen fit to unite with any other, but 
has for many years been connected with the church of 
Wauseon. His first and second wife, and all of his six 
children having gone to join the silent majority, he now has 
but an invalid third wife and a grandson as the only ties that 
bind him to earth. 



146 The Maumee Yalley Pioneer Association. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

MRS. LUCINDA STRUBLE. 



BY W. T. C. 



Mrs. Struble, the subject of this sketch, and for nearly 
60 years a resident of the Maumee Valley, was born April 
22, 1819, in Trumbull county, Ohio. Her mother died when 
she was but four years old, after which she lived with an 
aunt until her marriage. November 2, 1837, she was mar- 
ried to Mr. George Struble, in Trumbull county, who was a 
mechanic, following the trade of a carpenter and joiner for 
about 35 years. Soon after their marriage they removed to 
Stark county, and from thence to Columbiana county. 

In October, 1842, with the primitive ox team and cover- 
ed wagon, containing beside their two children and them- 
selves all their household goods, they began their long and 
tedious journey toward the northwest, passing through the 
Black Swamp of Wood county, through the huckleberry 
brush of southern Lucas, and penetrating the more densely 
wooded country of northern Henry count.y. Her husband 
cut his own road through the timber to a point two miles 
south of Pettisville, Fulton county, where he came to a halt, 
unhitched the ox team from the wagon, chained them to a 
tree, and said to his wife, "Mother, this is our home." 

The eighty acres of wild land on which they settled is 
now known as the Fink farm. The wagon in wdiich they 
moved served them as a residence until their log cabin was 
built, surrounded by a dense wilderness. The monsters of 
the forest gave way to the sturdy woodman's axe, until the 
sunlight shone cheerily in, and until tlie little cabin gave 
way to the more pretentious residence. In all the many 
privations incident to pioneer life, mother Struble bore 
cheerfully lier part. 

In 1854 Mr. Struble sold his farm and purchased 160 



Biography. 147 

acres of unimproved heavily timbered land situated on the 
ridge in Ridgeville township, Henry county, removing his 
family to the new home, where with the help of his faithful 
wife, he remained until death overtook him, March 10, 1895. 

In the winter of 1837-8, Mr. and Mrs; Struble united 
with the United Brethren church, and soon after Mr. Struble 
became an itinerant minister, which he continued to be the 
remainder of his life. To follow Mrs. Struble's husband in 
his ministerial labors, one must follow him through the woods 
and swamps of Henry county to Texas, on the Maumee, 
thence to Delta in Fulton county, thence east to Burlington, 
north to Southern Michigan, and south to West Unity, giving 
him 18 appointments, each to be filled every three weeks. 
During his ministry he preached between 900 and 1,000 fun- 
eral sermons, and also joined in matrimony nearly as many. 

Mrs. Struble was the mother of eight children, seven of 
whom still live, to cheer the last days of her pilgrimage. 
When her husband was taken away, hosts of friends all over 
the field of his labors, mourned the loss of a true husband, a 
kind Christian father, a true patriotic citizen, and a warm 
friend and counsellor in time of trouble and sorrow. 

At the advanced age of 81 years, Mrs. Struble now lives 
on the Ridge Farm, wdiere she has spent 46 years of her life. 

As an item of interest, it may be said that Father Struble 
preached in one week thirteen funeral sermons — three in one 
day, and has married three couples in one day. He once 
worked all night to make a coffin for a deceased person, 
whose funeral sermon he preached the next day. 



148 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

ROBERT STEWART. 



BY A. PHILLIPS. 



Robert Stewart, aged 81 years, a pioneer of Wood County 
for 66 years, was born in the County of Lenlethgo Parish, 
White Burn, Scotland, in April 1819. He came with his 
parents to America, landing at Perrysburg in June, 1834, and 
has lived in Wood County for 66 years. 

His father entered 80 acres in what is now Webster 
Township, which he helped to improve until he got married. 
After his marriage he settle on a part of the farm and im- 
proved that. 

He underwent all the hardships of pioneer life. Often 
on going to Perrysburg, a foot, he had to wade in water in 
some places from one to three feet deep, going and coming. 
He was at the raising of the log cabin at Fort Meigs in 1840. 
His first presidential vote was cast for Wm. Harrison and 
has voted the Whig and Republican ticket ever since ; having 
voted for 14 presidents. He remembers when the Tories 
saved some of the logs that had been gathered to build the 
Buckeye Cabin ; they had to saw some of them in two and 
put some of them in a well. He remembers one circum- 
stance which happened on Lake Erie ; they came on the 
canal from New York to Buffalo, then they took the steamer 
called the Dewit Clinton, for Toledo. There was a German 
family on board; the woman went to get a pail of water and 
in trying to get the water she was jerked off' the boat and 
was lost. He saw her for more than five minutes floating on 
the water. She had all the money they had in a belt around 
her. The boat never stopped to try to save her on account of 
the fear of a coming storm. 

The steamboat did not go any farther than Toledo. Here 



Biography. 149 

they were transferred to a schooner loaded with flour from 
Perrysburg. But they were becalmed, there being no wind, 
they lay here two days. The captain called for a carpenter. 
Mr. Stewart's father asked him what he wanted ; he said he 
wanted four long oars made. His father said he could make 
them, so he was sent out in a skiff and made them, and with 
these the sailors rowed the schooner up to Perrysburg, 

Mr. Stewart is now living in Bowling Green, a retired 
farmer, and enjoys good health. 



150 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

J. T. VAUSBURG. 



J, T. A^ausburg, aged 80 years, a pioneer of Wood county 
for 64 years, was born in tlie State of Connecticut November 
27, 1820. 

I came to Ohio in June 1836, and settlet in Montgomery 
township, where my father entered 160 acres of land, heavily 
timbered, many of the trees being four feet in diameter and 
100 feet high. We could not sell the timber ; we had to cut 
and burn it. On the day of the raising of the Buckeye log 
cabin at Fort Meigs, I heard the cannon boom. I was mad 
all over, I had the ague and could not go. My first presiden- 
tial vote was for Henry Clay in 1811. I lived with my father 
until I was 22, when I married a Miss Unice Davis. In 1843 
I bought 20 acres of land, improved and sold it, and then 
bought 40 acres in Portage township. Here my wife died 
March 14, 1854. We had five children, three of whom are 
yet living. 

November 2, 1854, I married Anna Snyder. By this 
marriage we had seven children, six girls and one boy, all 
living yet, I have held a number of township ofiices. Have 
been a member and supporter of the United Brethren church 
for fifty years. 

I saved one man's life from drowning. He was in swim- 
ming, and I saw where he went down last. I procured a long 
pole, waded in as far as I dared to, and pushed the pole 
down Avhere I thought he was, held it there a while, and 
when I drew the pole out he had a hold of it with one hand, 
and thus saved his life. I now live in Bowling Green, enjoy 
good health for one of my age, and I hope to vote for Mc- 
Kinley again. 



Biography. 151 



BIOGRAPHY 

OF 

ELIZA B. WALKER. 



BY A. PHILLIPS. 



Eliza Bartholomew Walker, a pioneer of 94 years, was 
born in the State of Connecticut, July 7th, 1806. She was 
united in marriage with Samuel Walker July 4th, 1824. 
They emigrated to Ohio in 1846, and settled in Wood county. 
Mr. Walker followed farming until death, which occurred 
April 7th, 1886. To them were born nine children, seven 
boys and two girls, five of whom are still living. Five of the 
boys were soldiers in the war of '61 to '65. After Mr. 
Walker's death, Mrs. Walker kept house until 1898, after 
which she made her home wit^i her children. She has seen 
the hardships of pioneer life, and endured many of them. 

Mrs. Walker united Avith the Baptist church when she 
was 24 years old, and has been a regular member for 64 
years. She is now in her 94th year, and yet enjoys good 
health for one of her age. Her memory is remarkably good. 



152 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

ABRAHAM WALKER. 



Abraham Walker, aged 77 years, a pioneer of Wood 
County for 66 years, was born January 15, 1823, in Fayette 
Oonuty, State of Pennsylvania. 

I came to Wood County in 1840 and have made my home 
hexe ever since. My first presidential vote was for Clay in 
1844. When I came to Bowling Green there was but five 
cabins around here. Mr. Gordon and my brother, Henry 
Walker, named the town of Bowling Green ; my brother 
Henry was the first postmaster and Mr. Gordon the first mail 
carrier. I was married to Mary Lloyd March 6,1846 ; we had four 
children, one boy and three girls, two of whom are living yet. 
I have been sexton of the old and new cemetries for 40 years. 
I have lived in the house for 36 years. I worked in a potash 
factory a while and have seen this county improved from the 
wild state to the heighth of cultivation, and the town im- 
proved from five log cabins to splendid brick blocks with 
eight thousand inhabitants. 



Biography. 153 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

REV. NATHAN S. WORDEN. 



BY W. T. C. 



Mr, Worden was born in Waterbury, New Haven County, 
Connecticut, September 12, 1817. With his parents he came 
to Ohio when a year old. He remained in this state for four 
years and then returned to Connecticut. After a three years' 
stay in the land of steady habits, his parents again took up 
their line of march for the Buckeye State, settling in 
Medina County, Ohio. In these journeys to and fro, he had 
ridden 1800 miles on a wagon drawn by an ox team, in true 
primitive style. Mr. Worden was the oldest of a family of 
four sons and three daughters. His parents were of the 
Episcopalian and Presbyterian stamp, while he, himself, 
became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 
Liverpool, Medina County, Ohio, in 1838. In 1840 he was 
licensed to preach and admitted into the Indiana Conference 
when it included the whole state. During his 47 years' 
ministry he served the following appointments or circuits : 
Greenville, with 16 appointments ; Milroy, with 24 appoint- 
ments ; Huntington Mission, with 14 appointments; Decatur, 
with 14 appointments ; Rensaeler, with 15 appointments. 

In 1846 he was transferred to the North Ohio Conference 
where he served the following circuits, viz : Dover, Bruns- 
wick, Bellevue, Keene, Newcomerstown, East Union, Roscoe, 
Nashville, Dresden, Orange, Olivesburg, Ontario, Republic 
and Hinckley. 

In July, 1846, Mr. Worden was united in marriage to 
Miss Louise M. Cornell, of Laporte, Lorain County, Ohio, 
who still remains with him and by whom he has had three 
children, two sons and one daughter, all of whom together 
with their aged mother are the comfort of his declining years. 

Mr. Worden was a typical circuit rider, and at one time 



154 The Mawrnee Valley Pioneer Association. 

did not have a harness on his horse for six years, traveling 
always on horseback. In 1843 he rode on a canal boat from 
Ft. Wayne to Toledo and back, stopping over Sunday at 
Florida, where he preached in a school-house. In October, 
1878, he came to Ridge ville, Henry County, where he now 
resides, where for a number of years he has been a super- 
anuate of the North Ohio Conference, and where he still 
preaches occasionally. 

Mr. Worden is a man of deep religious impulses, an un- 
swerving adherent to the faith of his young manhood. A 
man in whom all people who know him revere, be he believer, 
or unbeliever. 



Biography. 155 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

MRS. MARY WIGHT. 



Mrs. Mary Wight, the subject of the following sketch, 
was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, April 22, 1806. Her 
mother died while she was an infant. Her father, Mr. John 
Harvey, married a second wife, Jane Beverly, a very worthy 
woman, who was mother to the infant daughter. The years 
rolled by, and at the age of twenty she was married to Mr. 
Alexander Wight, Grandfather Harvey had for several 
years meditated a removal to America. The matter was de- 
termined by the action of his landlord in refusing to grant a 
renewal of the lease on the farm which he had occupied for 
nineteen years. The cause of the landlord's action was poli- 
tical and religious differences, he (Mr. Harvey) being a non- 
conformist in religion, and a Chartist in politics. 

In the Spring of 1834 he sailed from his native land, ac- 
companied by Mrs. Wight and her husband and a neighbor 
family by the name of Lawson, and reached their place of 
destination some time in the month of September. The 
same fall he purchased a farm near the town of Savannah, in 
what was then Richland county, now Ashland. Here he re- 
mained until his death, Mrs, Wight and her husband helped 
to take care of the farm, Mr, Wight died in 1852, leaving 
her with six children. 

In 1865 her two eldest sons purchased property in Wood 
county, and made arrangements to move here in the Spring 
of 1865. She, not willing to be separated from her children, 
accompanied them to the homes which they now occupy. 
She has been a widow 48 years, and has now passed her 94th 
birthday, April 22, 1900. 

She has maintained her faculties, both mental and 
physical, much beyond many who have not attained near her 
years. She has still a sister living in Ashland county two 
years her senior. 



156 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



BIOGRAPHY 

— OF — 

MRS. BARBERY YOUNKER. 



BY A. PHILLIPS. 



Mrs. Barbery Younker, a jpioneer of 94 years, was born 
in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1806. She 
was united in marriage to Mathias Stump in 1828, and re- 
moved to Wood county, Ohio, in 1840. They purchased 40 
acres of heavily timbered land in Montgomery township, and 
built a cabin thereon, moving in and improved the place. 

Mr. Stump held many township offices, such as assessor, 
clerk and school director. They underwent many of the 
hardships and inconveniences of pioneer life. 

In 1853 Mr. Stump was killed by a falling tree. By this 
union was born eight children, five boys and three girls. 
Four of the boys grew up and served as soldiers in the war of 
1861 to 1865. 

In 1855 Mrs. Stump was united in marriage with Charles 
Younker, with whom she lived happily until his death, which 
occurred in 1870. Since then Mrs. Younker has made her 
home in Bowling Green with Madison Younker, her step 
son, and with Susan Seers, her grand step daughter. 

Mrs. Younker is now in her 95th year, enjoying reason- 
able good health for one of her age. 



Reminiscences 157 



REMINISCENT. 



BY J. R. TRACY. 



On December 6th, 1836, my father, Thomas R. Tracy, 
purchased of Stephen Ward, of Bowling Green, the south 
half of the southeast quarter of section twenty-four, in Plain 
Township, Wood County, Ohio, it being the eighty acres 
south of West AVooster street. Bowling Green. 

He had made the journey from his home in Chenango 
County, N. Y., to Bowling Green, some seven hundred miles 
in a one horse wagon, that being the best he could do. Ex- 
cept a few isolated short lines, there were no railroads west 
of Albany, and because of the lateness of the season, the 
chances were, the water route would be closed long before 
he could complete his return trip. 

Besides his horse, his only companion was a brown, 
ugly-visaged, bob-tailed whiffet, ' who could not be coaxed, 
or bribed, or scared, and who would have died rather than 
have permitted the least molestation of anything committed 
to his care. 

Father had eight hundred dollars in gold, which he de- 
posited in a little, old fawnrskin covered trunk, and this he 
placed under the seat of his wagon, and it stayed there to his 
journey's end. Whenever he stopped, whether at noon or night, 
he would run his wagon under a shed, carelessly throw his 
seat blanket down in front of the trunk, and tell Trip to lie 
down there, with the assurance of perfect safety for his 
money if the dog lived. And the result justified his confi- 
dence. 

While at Bowling Green, he was the guest of his grand- 
daughter, Mrs. Alfred Thurstin and her excellent husband, 
who, together gave him a hearty welcome and every 
possible consideration during the time of his stay with them. 
New, as was the settlement, the Methodist circuit riders. 
Revs. Flemming and Shortice, had already taken it into their 
circuit and established regular Sunday preaching every two 



158 The Maumee Yalley Pioneer Association. 

weeks at the log school house, on the south line of the Moore 
farm in Center Township. 

The Sabbath father spent with the Thurstins was regu- 
lar preaching day, and, of course, he accompanied them to 
the meeting. But it was great disappointment. There were 
a goodly number in attendance, but no preacher came. 
After suitable delay father was invited to "hold meeting," 
which he consented to do, having been for many years an • 
exhorter in the church. 

Now, in that day, it was considered a great breach of 
Methodistic, if not of Christian etiquette, for the person who 
had been the principal speaker at a religoius service to close 
it himself. So, the exhortation ended, father, at a venture, 
called upon Esquire Shevely to close by singing and prayer, 
which he very respectfully declined to do. Later, father 
learned that besides himself there was not a male professor 
in the congregation. There were several elect ladies present, 
however, Mrs. Shevely, Mrs. Dixon, Mrs. Moore and perhaps 
others. 

During the winters of '36 and '37 the Revs. Fleming and 
Shortice held a protracted meeting at that appointment, at 
which many were converted. The organization of a society 
of thirty or forty members followed, Joshua Wood being ap- 
pointed leader and Thomas Michelson exhorter, so that, on 
upon our arrival the next May, we found a well established 
church home ready to receive us. 

On May 2nd, 1837, before the snow drifts of the previous 
winter had disappeared, we left our old home — it had been 
the family home for forty- two years — in two two-horse 
wagons, and accompanied by Mrs. Theron Pike, with her 
three younger children in a one-horse wagon, started for our 
new Ohio home. Mr. Pike and his oldest son, Thomas M., 
took the water route to look after the goods that were sent 
that way. After everything had been properly arranged for 
the starting, father called us into the large room that had 
served for many years as kitchen, dining-room, sitting-room 
and place for i)ublic worship, now stripped to the bare walls, 
and all kneeling, he offered a last prayer there, a prayer of 
thanksgiving to our gracious Heavenly Father for past bless- 
ings, and of supplication for future mercies. And then, with 



Reminiscences 159 



dimmed eyes, we went slowly out, the door was closed, each 
took the seat assigned, and we drove away down the lane to 
the public road and were fairly entered upon the long, 
tedious journey that lay before us. 

For three long weeks we plodded on and on, with 
nothing specially eventful transpiring until we had passed 
Lower Sandusky — now Fremont — and were about to plunge 
into the much talked of and greatly dreaded Black Swamp. 
We had heard much about it, of its thirty-two taverns in the 
thirty-one miles from Lower Sandusky to Perrysburg, of 
families lodging three nights in the same house, meanwhile 
struggling hard each day to make a scant half-mile of pro- 
gress through the almost bottomless mud of which the road 
consisted, and, of the hat that floated along upon the surface 
of the mud, and from beneath which, when disturbed, there 
came a sepulchral voice saying, "let that hat alone!" Be- 
neath it is a long-legged man, and under him is a long-legged 
horse ! 

It was in the afternoon, and about eight miles west of 
Sandusky that we came in contact with the first real Black 
Swamp mud hole. And it was a dismal sight. Out in its 
depths stood two teams completely stalled, and the emi- 
grants, Germans, were hard at it unloading their wagons. 
Their mode was this : They had thrown out upon the thick 
mud, poles large enough to bear the weight of a single per- 
son and reaching from the side of the road to the wagon. 
Upon this bridge a buxom lass would walk and steady the 
heavy box or bundle upon the head of some man while he 
struggled shoreward. His groans meanwhile, and her 
chatter, were unintelligible to us, except as they were inter- 
preted by their environments. 

Here, too, we met a down-easter, who with his family 
had been a day's journey into the swamp, had become com- 
pletely discouraged and was going back to Sandusky to take 
a .boat around to Perrysburg, and who very urgently advised 
father to do the same. But the mothers in our company 
very promptly vetoed the proposition. 

They knew, they said, something of mud. In a twenty 
days' travel in early spring we had often encountered, and 
conquered it. We had become veterans in that line, and 



160 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Associatioji. 

were not afraid. But the awful waves of the lake I Not for 
a world would they trust their own, and the lives of theirs, 
to its treacherous keeping. 

That point settled, under father's skillful guidance, we 
passed that "hole" safely, and put up that night some three 
miles or so from Woodville. 

Next morning we made an early start, but it was high 
noon when we reached the town. In a bad hole, one horse 
of my team fell, and went so completely under that only the 
top of his head and a strip along his back was visible. 

You may imagine the depth of the mud, and something 
of the difficulties encountered in passing over, or rather 
through such a road. 

Ephriam Wood, of the Woodville house, gave us a cor- 
dial greeting, and did his best to make our short stay there 
recuperative and pleasant. He was a character in the early 
history of the black swamp, in his way. In his talk that 
day, I remember he said, "it takes three things to make a 
man complete. He must be a Mason, a Methodist and a 
Democrat." This was long years before the slave oligarchy 
had inaugurated their campaign of slavery extention, or had 
seized upon the Democratic party's organizations and made 
it the defender and abettor of "the peculiar institution." 
Years afterwards, his son, Hon. Amos E. Wood, ably repre- 
sented Northwestern Ohio in Congress, and in conjunction 
with a few other unintimidatible Democrats prevented the 
organization of the house in the interests of the slave party, 
and finally secured the election of the Hon. N. P. Banks by 
an unwilling Congress to the speakership; a decided victory 
for the cause of freedom. At the time of his death, a few 
years later, Amos E. was among the foremost leaders of the 
free soilers. 

That night, the last one of our journey, we stayed at the 
Forks of Portage, now called Pemberville. A Mr. Powers, 
who lived in a double log house, generously tendered us one 
half of it for our accommodation. Mr. P. kept a genuine 
Methodist hotel, a class of houses well known and highly es- 
teemed throughout the country at that time. We Avere astir 
betimes the next morning. The road now was little more 
than a trail. Every wagoner carried an ax, and often 



f**.- 




J. R. TRACY. 



Reminiscences 161 



enough was obliged to cut a new track around a fallen tree, 
or brush, with which to till a chuck hole, or a lever, to pry- 
out with, if the depth of the quag had been miscalculated, 
and the wagon had gone to a depth beyond the ability of the 
team to move it. 

About noon, without serious accident, we reached the 
point where the trail to Bowling Green left the river bank, 
and struck for the east prairie through a swamp that only 
needed the travel to make it the equal of the Maumee and 
Western Reserve Pike. However, the prairie was soon 
reached, a veritable lake, stretching away westward to the 
sand ridge among which Bowling Green was, or was to be 
located. 

The water was about a foot deep, and the grass, now 
the twenty-third of May, about a foot out of the water, pre- 
senting to the eye, not "a wild watery waste," but a sea of 
living, moving green, beautifully undulating in the light 
breeze, glistening in the sunlight, and always indicating that 
just a few rods ahead we should reach solid ground ; an illu- 
sion that held good the entire distance to the foot of the 
ridges. 

The first person to greet us in Bowling Green was 
Thomas Gorrill, then a young man, but destined to figure 
largely in the history of the improvement, the reclamation, 
of Wood county. A short call and hearty greetings at the 
Thurstin residence, and then a drive over to the Ward cabin 
and our journey was at an end. 

What we found, upon our arrival, and afterwards — but 
this is quite too long now. If this is ever told, it must be 
"another story." 



We very soon discovered that the condition in which we 
found the east prairie was not exceptional. Save the banks 
of watercourses, and the small ridges scattered here and 
there, water, and where ever the soil was just a little stirred, 
mud ruled everywhere. Indeed, we found that the "Black 
Swamp" was not just a narrow strip, on either side bf the 
Western Reserve Pike, but a vast area, stretching away 
westward to the very sources of the several branches of the 
Portage river. Beaver Creek also headed in the same great 



162 The Mautnee Valley Pioneer Association. 

basin. So that, if we were not at the center, the hub of the 
swamp, we were well within the circumference of it. Be- 
sides, we found gnats and mosqnitos. And they were very 
enjoying, a million or so of them were, especially to new 
comers. If one wished to take a walk at morning or even- 
ing, a leafy bush was first obtained. This vigorously Avork- 
ed, would keep the pests at bay. If one's hands were em- 
ployed, as in milking for instance, a smudge had to be 
provided, and so set that the smoke would drift upon the one 
to be protected, or, in a minute, thousands of gnats would be 
in the hair and ears, or under the collar or up the sleeves of 
their victim, and each digging vigorously for a tiny drop of 
blood. The quantity that a few thousand would take, would 
not be a serious loss, but the itching produced was very irri- 
tating. At their worst, they would gnaw the inner ear of 
horses and cattle until they were raw, in spite of us. But 
their attacks w^ere at morning and evening, and out of doors. 
Not so, the mosquitos. Given the right temperature and 
moisture, and still air, and whole hosts of them were on 
hand. No night was too dark, or precinct too sacred for 
them to get in their work. Like the frogs of Egypt, tliey in- 
vaded every part of our dwelling, but unlike the frogs, un- 
less crushed, they refused to die. As with the gnats, so with 
these, smoke was chiefly relied upon to drive and keep them 
away. Many a meal was eaten with a smudge under the 
table, and many a would-be sleeper owed what of rest he 
secured, to the smoke that overspread his bed, and compelled 
his blood-thirsty assailants to retire. 

Mosquito bar was, at that time unknown, and various 
devices other than smoke were resorted to, for protection. 
At times however, nothing but fighting would avail. And 
then the dawn often found the mother or father, or both, 
keeping vigil over the little folks, themselves having scarce- 
ly closed their eyes the livelong night. 

We found, too, horse flies; great swarms of them, es- 
pecially the green heads. They were about the size of a 
honey bee, armed with a neat little lancet, and made their 
attacks along the flanks of their victims, either horses or 
cattle, in such numbers as to be a veritable terror to them. 
But we had another, a black and white one, as large as a 



Re 111 hi iseenees 163 



large bumble-bee, and with quite as loud a buzz, and carry- 
ing a butcher's knife as her business equipment. My ! How 
a horse would wince, and shy, and shake when he heard her 
buzz. Disdaining to seek a tender spot, she alighted any- 
where, upon neck, or shoulders, or back, wherever most con- 
venient, and with due deliberation proceeded to lay open 
the skin, and drink the warm outiiowing blood to her fill, 
and then in wanton prodigality allow as much or more to 
run to Avaste. Often, especially upon white horses, long 
bloody streaks would indicate where the incision had been 
made. Fortunately^ they were not so numerous as were the 
others, else they would have been unendurable. 

Of snakes, we found several varieties with which we had 
not heretofore been familiar. The principal ones, being the 
Blue Racer and the Moccasin, or Massasauga, a dark brown, 
mottled rattler. Let me tell of my introduction to these. A 
very few days after our arrival at our new home, while 
working in a clearing, about where the C. H. & D. depot 
now stands, I noticed Trip very busily engaged digging under 
an old log that lay, partly buried, near at hand. A chip- 
munk, I said, and went on with my chopping. But Trip 
kept on too with his digging and with increased energy, until 
he had awakened my sympathy, and I said I'll help the fel- 
low. So, securing a suitable stick with which to loosen the 
earth, I went to his assistance. As soon as I had a way 
cleared, I thrust in my hand to find, if I could, in which way 
the burrow led. At nearly arm's length my hand came in 
'contact with a stick, a root I supposed it to be, and about the 
size of my wrist, but which yielded readily to my pulling, 
and much to my surprise seemed singularly flexible. When 
my hand came fairly in sight, you may judge of my disgust, 
or horror, or consternation, upon discovering a snake, many 
times larger than any I had ever before seen, in my clutch, 
and notwithstanding I had some two feet of her double in 
view, neither end was in sight. Needless to say, without 
any very mature deliberation regarding the propriety of the 
act, I let go. Meanwhile, Trip had been intently watching, 
possibly, suspecting I would be making some such fool move, 
saw my blunder, and almost before the snake was out of my 
grasp, he had her in his. There was no squeamishness mani- 



164 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

fested noAV. A few energetic jerks and lie had her in the 
open. He tried now to kill her, as he kills garter snakes, by 
shaking her to bits, but he did little more than wiggle his 
own body, while she seemed intent upon getting him within 
her coil. More than once he had to break his hold and jump 
to escape her. 

In the same clearing, a day or two later, I saw Trip 
walking a circle about six feet in diameter. He was evi- 
dently on his guard, for he moved very slowly, and upon his 
tip-toes, and intently eyeing the center of the circle. Ap- 
proaching him, I saw a small brown snake, neatly coiled, 
with her head about six inches above the coil, and giving 
forth an ominous rattling sound that told to a certainty the 
character of our find. A smart blow from a club dispatched 
her. Now, here is a question : How did that dog know that 
he might attack the big racer with impunity, but must fight 
shy of the stroke of that small rattler? I am quite sure, 
these two were the first of their kind he had ever seen. I 
had been told that the bite of the "Sanger" was dangerous, 
and I believed it, and acted accordingly. A few said the 
Racer would not bite, and I doubtingly believed that. But 
who had communicated that information to that dog so intel- 
ligently and convincingly that all doubt was eliminated, so 
that he knew absolutely which he might attack, and which 
he must avoid? Who can tell? 

The Aborigines were still here. They were no longer 
the proud, haughty people of yore. Their spirit was broken, 
they were completely cowed. They had relinquished all 
title to their hunting grounds, and to the graves of their 
fathers, so dear to the Indian's heart, and waiting the pleas- 
ure of the "Great Father" to take their departure for their 
new hunting grounds, away towards the setting sun. 

They were very peaceable and friendly. No one had a 
thought of danger from them, and yet upon a time an inci- 
dent occurred, which if it had happened at an earlier day, 
would, more than likely, have lighted the torch, unlashed 
the dogs of war, and drenched anew the Maumee Valley 
with torrents of blood. It was this way : Esquire Shinely, 
who lived near Bowling Green, xJurchased, one fall, an estray 
horse at a sale. Late the next summer while on his way 



Reminiscences 165 



home from Waterville, he was met on the road by a company 
of Indian hunters. They halted, and one of them pointed at 
the estray horse that the Esquire was driving, said, "My 
horse." Another of his company said "Your horse." There- 
upon the chiimnnt dismounted, and deliberately unharnessed 
the horse he had laid claim to, and without more ado, led 
him away. 

Naturally there was a day's excitement among the set- 
tlers, and suggestions of recapturing the horse. But the old 
esquire objected. While the trial in the case had been very 
informal, having been without summons, and upon the public 
highway, the testimony adduced had convinced the justice 
that the horse really was, or had been the property of the 
claimant. And notwitlistanding the irregularity of the pro- 
ceeding, from the white man's standpoint, nevertheless, in 
view of all the circumstances in tlie case, the court gave 
judgment for plaintiff and the matter was dropped. 

I have not forgotten the Indian cavalcade that passed 
our cabin one bright summer afternoon. There were old 
and young, male and female, about 150 of them. They were 
on their way to the general rendezvous preparatory to their 
exodus. It was a pretty, but withal a melancholy sight. 
Each knew and kept his or her place perfectly. Their file 
was in good order, their marching excellent. So much was 
pretty. But they were taking their last look at, and final 
leave of their dearly loved resorts. Old familiar camping 
grounds, around whicli clustered their brightest and happiest 
memories, and dearest, most sacred of all, the graves of their 
fathers — all were to be left, abandoned, forgotten forever. 
No one could look upon that silent troop, save for the foot- 
fall of their ponies, and the tinkling of the bell with which 
each was decorated, silent as the grave, and even faintly 
realize what it meant to them, without being moved to pity 
in their behalf. And yet they were but gathering the bitter 
fruits of their long violation of the law" given to the first man, 
at his expulsion from the garden, which said, "In the sweat 
of thy face shaft thou eat bread." For untold centuries his 
possession had been undisturbed, his sway undisputed, but 
thorns and thistles flourished unmolested. He would not 
subdue the ground, he would not give to the soil his sweat, 



166 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

lie would not make it yield its fruits in their season. He 
would fight, or hunt, or fish, or starve with stoical indiffer- 
ence ; but labor, never. For long he had the opportunity, 
aiTtd for long refused it. The fullness of time came at last. 
The edict went forth. The delinquents were removed. 

There was in the northwest of Ohio at the time of which 
I am writing, a thoroughly organized and completely equip- 
ped gang of counterfeiters, horsetheives and burglars. The 
leaders were men of ability, energy and skill, men who 
would naturally have a following, and who would, if they 
had turned their energy to the improvement and upbuilding 
of the sections in which they severally resided, have been 
highly honored in their day, and remembered with venera- 
tion and gratitude as among the worthiest of the old pioneers. 
Instead, their names are forgotten, and justly so. The 
story of th^ir doings would be a long, varied, and finally a 
tragic one. 

Briefly, they began by making and passing spurious coin. 
Money was scarce, especially silver money. Their Mexican 
dollars, and their halves and quarters, being fair imitations, 
found their way into circulation in considerable quantities. 
Then they added horsestealing, and then burglary. A ware- 
house at Providence w^as broken open and several boxes of 
dry goods taken. But the final awful tragedy, perhaps only 
indirectly connected with the organization, was the murder 
of the Wyandotte Chief Summumduwat and his family. A 
very quiet, worthy Christian com]3any, peacefully hunting in 
Henry county, remote from settlements, Avantonly slain for 
their peltries and trinkets, but especially for their dogs, said 
to have been superior coon dogs. It w^as a premeditated, 
cold-blooded murder. 

Among our finds was the "fevernager" (that's what it 
was called) or rather it found us. And I want to tell you if 
there is anything in this world that will stay by a fellow, 
when it has found him, its the ague. My! How it will 
snuggle up to him and hug him, and squeeze him, and shake 
him, and freeze him, and then bake him and fry him, until 
it would seem every drop of moisture is out of him, and then 
steam him and sweat him until everything in contact with 
him is wringing wet, and himself the wettest and limpest 



Beminiscences 167 



of all. Then it would lay him out like any other bedraggled 
thing to dry. Then upon leavetaking it will soothingly 
whisper, "Don't get lonesome, will be back tomorrow, or 
next day, or worst of all, in thre^ days." Pitiable indeed 
was the state of one doomed to a three days' waiting. Be- 
sides the long coiitinuance of the dread of it, he knew, or 
soon learned that nothing was escaped by the delay. The 
energy of performance was sure to be doubled, or trebled as 
the case miglit be, without discount. And so the round 
went on. Week by week, month by month, sometimes year 
by year (Brother Isaac was held for two years, didn't go to 
school or do a day's work in that time) until as the phrase 
went, the "ague was worn out" and quit of sheer exhaustion. 

Then came rest, sweet, sweet rest, and a chance for 
recuperation. 

You- remember the old saw, "Give the devil his due, "so I 
hasten to say what was in everybody's mouth, "The ague 
never kills." And in very sooth it seemed to be the case. 

When Jonathan Fay, a sturdy old Vermonter, then 
somewhere in the sixties, and who had theretofore never 
been sick a day in his life, was stricken with typhoid fever, 
and despite all that medical skill could do went rapidly 
doAvn to dissolution, the elder Dr. Manville said to some 
neighbors standing about the door of the dying man's resi- 
dence, "You curse the ague, and curse this country for be- 
ing ague cursed, but I tell you the time will come, and it is 
not so very distant eitlier, when you will pray for the ague, 
but pray in vain, for the ague Avill not come. It is a very 
disagreeable, debilitating, disheartening disease, hut it never 
kills^ and often stands between you and those malignant 
fevers that are so frequently fatal. " 

And the subsequent history of diseases in the Mrumee 
Valley seem to indicate that the doctor knew whereof he 
was talking. 

And now another question. How, and by what means 
did the ague ward of malignant diseases? 

In which of its three stages did it perform its beneficent 
service? Did the chill freeze the deadly germs, or the 
shaking scatter them out of the system? 

Hardly. Malignant fevers are always introduced by 



168 The Matmiee Valley Pioneer Association. 

chills more or less pronounced, and, as a rule, the harder the 
chill the severer and more obstinate will be the fever. 

Did the second stage, the fever, burn out the offensive 
matter? 

Doubtful, very, I know it is claimed that ordinary 
fevers, that is, fevers not alternated by sweating stages must 
"run their course," or, in other words, burn themselves out. 
But, sad to say, too often "their course" only terminates 
with the life of the victim, which is never the case with an 
ague fever. 

Was it then in the third, the sweating stage, that 
the good work was accomplished? Let me premise. It is 
claimed, I believe, that the human skin is one of the most 
delicate fabrications known. So fine, so delicate is it, that 
it is sometimes spoken of as the "silken skin," Now this deli- 
.-,]-;. j-arinent is liable to become soiled. In other words, our 
s::k gets dirty and needs washing. Bathing is all right in 
I'^R wiy, but it can't cleanse our silk, only the outside of it, 
while it is from the inside that it has been soiled, and bath- 
ing can't reach it. The blood has been gathering up the 
effete matter of the body, and pushing it out of the system 
through the million or so pores of the skin. In so doing, it 
has at times overcharged itself, and instead of forcing its 
;) "u- surface, has left it within the fabric, thereby 
soiling it and rendering it useless for the discharging of other 
excreta, which being forcibly detained, must of necessity 
sooner or later breed disease. To avoid this the skin must be 
washed, not off, but out; washed from the inside. And that 
is just what the ague sweating did. The ague fever always 
induces a raging thirst. At the very beginning of it the vic- 
tim calls for water, not a glrss full merely, but in quantities. 
It is surprising how much one will — must — drink while the 
fever is on. The fever heat converts this into steam, and 
that in turn is forced out through the skin, dissolving any 
foreign substance in its way, gathering up as much or it as it 
can carry, and passing out in the form of sweat. And oh! 
the odor of that sweat. And this process is repeated at 
stated intervals, week by weak, month by month, until the 
skin is clean, or as it used to be ignorantly expressed, until 
the ague was worn out. That is how the ague sweating gave 



Reminiscences 169 



protection. Does tlie reader ask, have you not somewhat over- 
drawn the matter in this yarn you have sj^un us? In sober 
truth I think I have not. Did you leave the country? No, 
we did not. Will you, pray, tell us what you found that 
could induce anyone to stay? Perhaps, but not in this 
story. 



170 The Maum.ee Valley Pioneer Association. 



REMINISCENT. 



BY J. R. HIGHT. 



I emigrated into the Maumee Vaalley in 1842, some 
time in the fall of the year, and taught school in what is now 
known as Monclova township, and taught that and the fol- 
lowing winter. From there I went to Providence township, 
taught school one term, and located permanently in the 
township. For 32 years I taught the first school, except a 
few terms, in Providence village. 

At that time there was no roads in Providence township 
except the one known as the river road. Our neighbors 
were Indians and a few white settlers. We had plenty of 
rattlesnakes and mosquitos for company. In 1873 I sold my 
farm in Providence township and moved to Fulton county. 
I bought a tract of land and improved it, and am still living 
there yet, making 27 years in Fulton county, in all 59 years 
in the Maumee Valley. 

When I came here in 1842, Maumee city was the county 
seat of Lucas count}'', long before the future great was 
thought of. Thus you can see that I saw this magnificent 
country develop from a dense wilderness with its towns, 
cities and railways, churches and school houses. I voted in 
Providence when there was but 20 votes. At present they 
pole about 400. 



Reininiscences 171 



REMINISCENT. 



BY ALFRED KELLY. 



I was born in Wayne county, Ohio, July 7, 1814. I was 
a slender, weakly boy, lived three miles from school, and 
did not know my letters at 12 years of age, when- father 
moved to the swamp ; so I have lived upwards of 70 years in 
what was then a doleful, dismal swamp, swarming with 
bees, wild honey, deer, turkey, coon, squirrel, wolves, wild- 
cats, catamounts, etc. No one now traveling over the county 
could think it ever was such a dense wilderness and wild 
swamp as it was then. Poor families moved in during the 
dry summer and built their log huts, and when the fall, win- 
ter and spring rains came, the water in many cases would be 
from one to two feet deep all around the hut, and it is use- 
less to try to tell the suffering of those helpless families, 
when all the settlers were down with bilious fever, ague and 
other diseases, with little or nothing to eat except what they 
could get out of the woods. I have known families to go out 
sick as they were and gather ramps, wild onions and weeds, 
and live on them for months without salt. At one time corn 
was $2 per bushel, and 40 miles away at that. Many had no 
money or conveyances to get it. Very frequently after a 
few acres was cleared and planted, the June floods destroyed 
the crop, and often the birds and little squirrels made it use- 
less. I have known the whole potato crop to be covered 
with w^ater, and rotted in the hills. One year all the crops 
were frozen on the 7th of June. Just think of all this in a 
swampy, wild country with no roads, no bridges, large fami- 
lies and little or no money, no ox, cow or horse, and all sick, 
and then exercise your imagination to its full extent and you 
may get a faint notion of the situation in the swamp 50 and 
60 years ago, when they had to go 40 or 50 miles to mill. 

Father had Ave children, $9.00, a young colt, a cow and 
a yoke of wild oxen when he landed in the swamp. Fortu- 
nately he got 160 acres of good dry land, and everything he 



172 TJie Maum.ee Valley Pioneer Association. 

did prospered, and we always had plenty and to spare after 
the first year. After a faithful day's chopping or logging, I 
have known him to take a piece of meat or a sack of flour 
and follow blazes on the trees from one to five miles to care 
for the sick. 

At an early age I got a vivid impression of God's good- 
ness, power and wisdom, mostly from my mother and father's 
example. I had a childlike faith that God could and would 
bless children and answer their requests, and as I had no op- 
portunity to attend school, I asked God to aid me in getting 
an education. Father at that time could not read, but 
mother could, and that was all. With mother's help and 
God's blessing, and my faithful effort, in less than two years 
I was master of the branches then taught in school, and 
would go from house to house and instruct the children. I 
was the first native teacher of Perry township. I taught my 
first school 68 years ago. I was the first to announce that 
the goad should never be used in school, that there was a 
better way to govern a school. At first old teachers said I 
was a fool, dangerous boy, because they could not keep order 
with the goad, and without it school would be impossible. 
But the notion was a good one and prevailed. I held and 
taught that memory stulfing with rules, problems, cases, ex- 
ceptions, etc., was not only almost useless and wrong, but 
absolutely wicked to the extent of murder, for it was, by long 
confinement at school and over taxation of the memory, 
causing consumiDtion, spinal trouble, myoptic eyes, brain 
fog, nerve prostration, a useless life of misery and a prema- 
ture death. I spread those views like wild-fire, by deliver- 
ing many free lectures in the log school houses of Wood and 
surrounding counties. I have expended 56 years of my life 
in teaching. For 40 years I taught select classes, to qualify 
young folks to teach. I guaranteed an education sufficient 
to get a certificate, and teach anywhere in the United States 
in from 60 to 80 days regardless of previous education. The 
less the students thought they knew the better the results. 
My classes ranged from 80 to 130 students, from every state 
in the Union. They were of the medium, the poor and very 
poor and immoral, uncultivated classes, but not one of them 
ever left as they came, so far as culture, morality and good 



Reminiscences ■ 173 



conduct, was concerned. They ever afterwards led virtuous, 
useful and intelligent lives as far as I know. 

During the 40 years, upwards of 7,000 secured certificates 
and taught. I taught district schools six years, and book- 
keeping and business school ten years. I have a new, short, 
easy, efficient and lasting system of instructing that is as 
superior to the ordinary as the light of the sun is superior to 
the most inferior star, or as making a journey of 1,000 miles 
in a nice car is superior to making it on foot in mud three 
inches deep. 1 am anxious to go anywhere and demonstrate 
the truth of the above. All I know of pioneer life would 
make quite a book. 

At the age of 40 I was married to Miss E. L. Crom in 
1858. We have four boys and three girls, and 20 healthy, 
rugged grandchildren. Our eldest son has preached the free 
gospel of Christ for 14 years, and published millions of reli- 
gious tracts and booklets, and sent them to all nations free of 
charge. He now keeps three printing presses running con- 
stantly in Chicago, and a home for all poor sick people who 
come for Divine healing, all free of charge. One son is a 
lawyer, one a very successful teacher, and one an honest 
laborer. The girls have good homes and intelligent families. 
For 42 years we have had no serious sickness or death in any 
of our families. 

I and my two brothers served in the Union army during 
the rebellion. My eldest brother was captured and starved 
to death in a rebel prison. My other brother came home a 
used up man, and suffered as much as he could have suffered 
in Libby prison, until his death, January 2, 1898. I have 
not seen a well minute since months before I was discharged. 



174 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



REMINISCENT. 



BY MRS. M. L. THURSTIN. 



As I have been requested to give a few facts and state- 
ments of the early experiences of the pioneers in the Maumee 
Valley, I will endeavor to recall some of the olden times. 

My life began in Wood county when that county was 
one year old, in Perrysburg township. My parents came to 
that place in 1818 from Middleburg, Vermont, in a two-horse 
wagon to Detroit, and from there they came to Perrysburg 
in a sailing vessel. They had two children, one over two 
years of age, the younger a babe of a few weeks. They set- 
tled in a house at Fort Meigs. My mother's brother. Dr. 
Conant, had preceded them two years previous and settled at 
Maumee. 

About two years after my parents came west, my 
mother's father and his wife came from Vermont to visit 
their children here. After remaining here about one montli, 
they were expecting to leave for their home in a month or 
two when grandfather took sick at Dr. Conant's. After a 
few days grandmother was taken sick and both of them died. 
Their dust now reposes under the edifice of the Presbyterian 
church in Maumee, where the first cemetery there was 
located. Those were times that tried men's souls. 

Previous to coming west my father wrote to Dr. Conant 
to ascertain the condition of things here, and the doctor re- 
plied that "if he could live where everybody died to come." 
Other children came to them in Wood county, and all lived 
to manhood and womanhood. Our parents lived to see most 
of their children married and settled in life, also a number 
of grandchildren. 

Our privileges for churches and schools compared well 
with other new countries. The first courthouse built in 
Wood county served the double purpose of church and 
schoolhouse for several vears. On the Maumee side of the 



Reminiscences 175 



river, several rods below the bridge, there was a warehouse 
for the storage of grain. I recollect attending a religious 
service there, also at a private dwelling on tlie hill above the 
warehouse. The latter building stood near the river and 
was destroyed by the freshet caused by the breaking up of 
the ice in the river in the spring of 1832. 

I well remember being present at the execution of George 
Porter for the shooting of Isaac Richardson, which took 
place November 5, 1830. Perhaps some remember the severe 
winter of 1842-43 when the cold continued into the spring so 
late that cattle died for need of food, and had to be driven 
to the woods and trees felled that the hungry cattle could 
feed on the browse, which, with some corn, kept them alive. 
Some died for want of food and those that lived were very 
thin in flesh. 

In the spring of 1845 my husband moved to Milton town- 
ship. When our new log house was ready to occupy w^e took 
possession, with a bed quilt for a door and window. My 
cooking place was a fire built on the ground, covered with 
small boughs full of leaves and supported by stakes and 
poles to keep out the sun. It answered every purpose as 
long as the weather was warm and we did not need a lire in 
the house. It was in August. When the fall of the year 
came we needed a fire for comfort and health, and, as we 
had no stove a part of the floor was removed in our one 
room, an opening made in the upper floor, which was easily 
done, as that was of clapboards, also an opening in the roof 
for the escape of the smoke, a lire built on the ground with 
the protection of a backlog against the logs of the house, and 
with no other semblance of firei)lace or chimney, with our 
two little children we spent the winter. Witliout any plas- 
tering on the cracks between the logs to keep out the wind, 
the cracks were chincked with pieces of splitwood. But we 
did not need for fresh air. We, too, had our door and win- 
dows in by this time. In the hardships, privations and in- 
conveniences of j^ioneer life, I was not alone with these and 
like experiences endured by people of courage, perseverence 
and strength. With firm trust in God for success, Wood 
county, our beloved home, has developed into a country, rich 
in all that goes to make a country, in beautiful scenery, 



176 The Maumee Yalley Pioneer Association. 

(look up and down the Maumee river) rich in '.listorical 
facts and scenes, in railroads, in all the modern improve- 
nients, in churches and schools, in ecclesiastical,* le^al, medi- 
cal and musical talent, we need not so from home to find. 

To every one of the Maumee Valley Pioneer Association, 
greeting. Let us rejoice in what we behold, and thank Ciod 
that we have been spared to see this once waste wilderness 
made to be the beautiful portion of our beloved state of 
Ohio, which it now occupies. 



Reminiscences 177 



REMINISCENT. 



BY A. PHILLIPS. 



Seneca Leonard, aged 92 years and a pioneer of Wood 
county, Ohio, was born February 8, 1808, in Worthington, 
Hampshire county, Massachusetts. His father was born 
in Worthington, Massachusetts, April 22, 1771. He was a 
teacher and farmer, and was also a soldier in the war of 1812. 

Mr. Leonard came to Ohio in 1822. He went to learn 
the hatter trade at Conneaut, Ohio, in 1830, went to Medina 
county, went in business for himself and taught school dur- 
ing the winter months. The only books used in those days 
were the spelling book and testament. The country being 
new the teacher had to board around with the parents of the 
scholars. You could see wild deer in the daytime and hear 
the wolves howl at night. 

Mr. Leonard was united in marriage to Miss SaraH Ann 
Foote September 6, 1835. In 1854 he received a license to 
preach the gospel and settled at West Milgrove in March, 
18(50. Here, as in other places, his theory was to practice 
industry, general im]3rovements, temperance morals and re- 
ligion. He has not taken a drink of liquor for 60 years, nor 
does he use tobacco. He always voted the Whig or Republi- 
can ticket. He has lived with his present wife over 64 years 
and neither of them have ever applied for a divorce. They 
both enjoy good health and while he was writing this his 
wife was busily engaged in sewing carpet rags. 



178 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



REMINISCENT. 



BY AARON PHILLIPS. 



While resting in the shade one extremely hot day in 
August, 1899, a physician. Dr. Tellen, who was born and edu- 
cated in Franklin county, Ohio, turned his thirsty horse to- 
wards the well in my dooryard. I languidly lifted my head 
to inquire what was wanted. The reply was that having 
driven a long distance both the horse and himself needed to 
refresh themselves with water. 

After both had drunken to their satisfaction, the doctor, 
having tied his horse in the shade, seated himself and ques- 
tioned how long I had lived in this locality. 

My reply was that I was born in Pike township. Stark 
county, Ohio, and settled with my parents where the Wood 
county infirmary now is. My father having come here in 
October, 1832, and entered 420 acres of land. At that 
time this was all government land. We arrived here on the 
11th day of April, 1833. 

. Dr. Tellen — "Then you could give quite a history of pio- 
neer life?" 

"Well, yes; I might, if you have leisure. At that time 
this was all heavily timbered, except a bit of prairie which 
was too wet and marshy to live on or to farm." 

Dr. Tellen — "It must have been sickly then; and what 
was the general complaint at that time?" 

"Chills and fevers, or ague. We had three kinds of 
ague; one was dumb ague, and its attacks were daily during 
its continuance. Another was chills and fevers every other 
day; one was a real hard chill that shook one's whole body, 
and a high fever following the shake." 

So deeply were the doctor and myself engaged with the 
memories of my pioneer days that we had not noticed the 
coming of two men, who now presented themselves before 
us, while one asked if I was Mr. Aaron Phillips who has 



Reminiscences 179 



a collection of mounted birds and animals. To which I an- 
swered that I was. They said they had come to see them, 
being interested in the birds and animals of Wood county. 
They then formally introduced themselves, one as Mr. J. W. 
Grabiel, a teacher in the High School, having been born in 
Logan county, Ohio. The other one as J. E. Shatzel, an at- 
torney, and a native of an eastern city. I asked them to be 
seated a short time until I answered the doctor's questions — 
if they were interested at all in pioneer life to join us a 
while, and they consented. 

I then commenced to answer the doctor's questions. 

Dr. Tellen — "Was it quite sickly here then?" 

"Yes, for a number of years until the country got 
cleared up and ditched ; so much so that at times whole fam- 
ilies were sick at one and the same time." 

Dr. Tellen — "Did you have any doctors then; and what 
did they do?" 

"We had some few who pretended to be doctors, but 
they were not very well patronized. They would charge us 
a dollar a visit to come five or six miles and give us a little 
quinine and some blue mass pills, and if they did not know 
what ailed the patient they would bleed them. By the way, 
doctor, we don't bleed our patients now. No, not in the 
same way they did. But you bleed the pocketbook." (This 
checked the doctor for awhile) 

Prof. Grabiel — "Were there any Indians here then?" 

"Yes; for the first seven years they were quite numer- 
ous. The number grew less and less yearly, and in a few 
years they disappeared entirely. But the Indians did not 
barm us; they were friendly." 

Prof. Grabiel — "Was there plenty of wild game here 
then, and what did the wild game consist of ; were any fero- 
cious animals here, such as i^anthers?" 

"I don't remember of any panthers, but there were some 
bears, and lots of wolves and wildcats. The bears did not 
molest us, but the wolves did annoy us terribly. They would 
come around the house nights howling. They would kill 
sheep and calves, and sometimes attack people. The wild- 
cats would catch and kill pigs, lambs and poultry. Foxes 
sometimes did the same and were particularly destructive of 



180 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

poultry. Coons, mink and weasels were plentiful. There 
had been elk here, as we found plenty of their horns. Deer 
were plentiful ; so Avere wild turkeys, prairie chickens, 
pheasants, pigeons, quail, ducks, squirrels and rabbits, and 
the streams abounded in fish. In the spring of the year 
there were plenty of fish on the prairie." 

J. E. Shatzel — "How did the fish get on the prairie; did 
they fly?" 

"The ducks would and could fly, but the fish could not; 
but in the spring of the year when the water was high the 
fish would follow up the streams and swails that brought the 
water from the prairies. Those fish were mostly grass pike 
and pickerel. It was quite common when we would ride out 
to drive in the cows and cattle, to catch a grass pike three 
feet long which had gotten among the grass and shallow 
water." 

Prof. Grabiel — "What Avere the other fish?" 
"They Avere mostly bull-heads, by some called cat-fish ; 
tAvo kinds, blue and yelloAA^; and some sunfish. The river 
was full of muskrats, bull frogs and watersnakes; the 
prairies had plenty of rattlesnakes, and the Avoods Avere full 
of other snakes, blue racers, blacksnakes and the moccasin." 
Dr. Tellen — "Were you ever bitten by a poisonous 
snake?" 

"I was once bitten by a popperhead snake on the'ankle, 
and it made me quite sick." 

Dr. Tellen — "What did you do for it; I see you are 
alive yet?" 

"I took whiskey to make me throw the poison off my 
stomach, Avhich it did, and I bound Avet clay on the wound to 
draAV the poison from there. I knew others to do the same, 
and I believe that was the remedy mostly used. But some 
tied M^et tobacco on the Avound, and that also seemed to be 
good to draAV the poison out." 

Prof. Grabiel — "This must have been quite a new and 
wilderness like place Avhen j^ou first came here? What kind 
of roads did you have?" 

"We had no roads at all. We had to cut the road from 
Fremont. At that time it Avas called LoAver Sandusky. We. 
had to cut the road from there to where Ave settled. Father 



Reminiscences 181 



hired two good axmen to help him cut the road and build a 
cabin, and clear the land for crops. Father had a span of 
horses and a yoke of cattle to one wagon, which was the first 
to come through on that road. We camped one night in some 
Indian shanties about where Pemberville now is. The In- 
dians were away making maple sugar, but in the morning 
two of them came riding up and looked as though they did 
not know what it meant by our taking possession of their 
camp. They said that those were their tepees. My mother 
had learned their language when she was a girl in the year 
1801 in Tuscarawas county, where her parents lived. 
Mother told them that we only stopped for the night, and 
that we were going on up the river, and that we meant to be 
friendly to them. That seemed to please them, and they 
were delighted that mother could speak their language." 

Prof. Grabiel — "Was this country heavily timbered 
then?" 

"Yes, sir, it was, all but the few small prairies, and 
they were covered with water the greater part of the year. 
Many of the trees would measure four feet across the stump 
when cut down, and 100 feet in length. I have myself cut 
white oak that made seven ten-foot rail cuts, the first cut 
made 40, and the top cut made 16 rails. There were but few 
knots in it." 

Prof. Grabiel— "What did you do with all this timber?" 

"What we did not need for our fences, log cabins and 
stables, we had to burn." 

J. E. Shatzel — "I have been told that they built their 
houses without a nail, iron hinges or latches for their doors. 
Can you describe one of them?" 

"They were at first all built of round logs, and generally 
scutched down on inside after they were up, or as they were 
being put up. The common size was on outside 16x20 feet, 
and high enough to accommodate those who were to occupy 
it. To commence the roof, the two end logs were longer, so 
as to put a log out about a foot for the roof to start from, 
then around the side logs were layed in to give the roof the 
proper pitch. The end logs were cut shorter and shaped to 
match for the roof, and finished up in this style to a peak. 
Then we split boards tliree and one-half feet long out of oak 



182 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

with a frame. When the first course was on, we then put on 
a log called a weight pole to hold these boards down, and for 
the next boards to start from. We made the roof in the 
same way, the logs or weight poles being held in place by 
short pieces called trusses placed against each weight pole or 
log. For the floor we split puncheons and hewed one side 
and adzed off the ends to make them even. The doors were 
made out of two cross pieces of split boards i3inned on and 
hung with wooden hinges, and a wooden latch with a string 
on the outside to pull the latch, and open the door. A big 
fire-place was built at one end of the house with a stick 
chimney on the outside. All our cooking and baking was 
done on and at the fire place. We knew nothing about cook 
stoves, and as for lights at night, we had a sheet iron lard 
lamp with a rag for a wick. We also made tallow candles at 
times. The room served as parlor kitchen and bed-room, 
with a bed in one corner where the two old people slept, and 
if there was more than one child, a trunnel bed that could be 
shoved under the other bed in the day time and at night 
pulled out, and sometimes as high as three children slept in 
that, and if the family was larger some had to sleep in the 
garret, which I often have done, and in the winter time snow 
would sift through the roof and be an inch or more deep all 
over the bed and garret floor." 

Prof. Grabiel — "What kind of farming implements did 
they use then?" 

"For our plows we had a heavy breaking plow, made 
with a heavy beam and and wooden mouldboard, a wrought 
shear and a colter set on the point of the shear, awd up 
through the beam, fastened with a wooden key. We had a 
heavy single shovel plow to cultivate with, and a bunch of 
thorn brush for a harrow. We cut all our grain .(wheat, rye 
and oats) with a sickle, by hand. We threshed our grain 
with a flail until w^e got a kind of barn built, a double affair, 
with one pen for the stable, and the other for hay or grain, 
with a floor between, when we used to have our grain tramp- 
ed out, either by horses or oxen, by driving them around 
over it, and keeping it shook up until all the grain was out, 
when we raked off the straw and put on more grain." 

Dr. Tellen — "Where did you get your grinding done?" 



Reminisce7iGe8 183 



"For the first few years we had to grind by hand on a 
hand mill. We used more hominy, beans, i)umpkins, 
potatoes, turnips and poons, made out of corn meal, either 
ground by hand or grated by hand on a grater. We drank 
sassafras and spiced bush tea, and as for coffee, parched rye, 
corn or buckwheat was used. And as for sugar, we made 
that out of sap from maple trees, or commonly called sugar 
trees." 

Prof. Grabiel — "What did you do for your clothing and 
shoes and boots?" 

"We made our own clothes and our own sewing thread. 
In summer almost everyone went barefooted, especially the 
young folks. We raised flax, from which we made all our 
sewing thread and wove our linen. Our wool was all carded 
by hand, and we made our own flannel clothing, and our hats 
out of rye straw for summer, and caps of coon and wild-cat 
skins for winter. Some made winter coats out of wolf skins." 

J. E. Shatzel — "Did everybody make their own shoes 
and boots?" 

"No ; there was most always some one that kept a set of 
tools and went from house to house and made or mended up 
the shoes of the family. No one would ask him where he 
got his pattern or fashion from. Everybody was welcome, 
and no such questions asked." 

Dr. Tellen — "Where were your markets, if any at all?" 

"We did not have much to do of that kind; but there 
was one at Perrysburg, as tliat was called the head of navi- 
gation. My father had all of his last crop of wheat he raised 
in Stark county ground into flour, and shipped by way of 
Cleveland to Perrysburg, for our own use. He let some 
other new comers have some of it, and as they had no money 
they worked for him to pay for it." 

J. E. Shatzel — "You say that they had no money. How 
did you carry on business without money?" 

"By exchange of work, produce or stock, and by selling 
furs and pelts. The money was very scarce, and there was a 
kind of paper money in circulation called fiat money. But 
it was quite risky, for it might be pronounced good one day 
and bad the next. All business men -kept a paper reportee 
as a detector, which reported which was good and bad. The 



184 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

silver money in circulation was mostly all Spanish, which we 
received for our furs and pelts." 

Dr. Tellen — "What was the prices of horses and cattle?" 

"The best of horses would fetcli $40, and a good yoke of 
oxen from $35 to $40, cows $10 to $12, dressed hogs li to 2 
cents per pound, and sheep from 50 cents to $1.00. Wages 
for a man was 50 cents a day and his meals, and a day's 
work was from sun up to sun down, and then the man had 
to walk three, four or five miles to get to do. a day's work, 
and then take his pay in truck or provisions. A man would 
work 20 or 25 days for a cow. Sometimes it was a good while 
before the cow would be paid for, as hardly ever one could 
spare the time at once from his home work, or that he did 
not have to buy something else for himself and family to live 
on." 

Dr. Tellen — "How could you afford to sell stock so 
cheap, especially dressed pork?" 

"That was just as easy then as now, to sell at what we 
are getting now, as at that time. All stock was let run at 
large to get their own living, in the woods and on the prai- 
ries, but the sheep had to be kept penned up on account of 
the wolves." 

J. E. Shatzel — "How would each man know his hogs, if 
a person got some that did not belong to him?" 

"Every man was required to mark his hogs, and haVe 
the mark recorded, and no two men in the same township 
were allowed to have the same mark. The marks were by 
cropping the ears in diil'erent positions; some one and some 
both ears in different forms. Some even marked their cattle 
and sheep the same as they did their hogs." 

Dr. Tellen — "You spoke of not having any roads. How 
did you get to Perrysburg then to do your trading?" 

"We went by way of Meltonville, We struck or went 
across the prairie to the Maumee river above the Waterville 
bridge, then down the river to Perrysburg. It took us three 
days ; the first, to get to the river, the next to get to Perrys- 
burg and back to our camping ground, and the third day, 
home. The roads at some places were eight feet wide, at 
others 80 rods on the prairies." 

Dr. Tellen — You spoke of the stock all getting their liv- 



Reminiscences 185 



ing in the woods and prairies. Did you not ho^ve any bard 
winters then?" 

"O, yes, some of the most severe winters. Tlie winter 
of 1842 and '43 was one of the most severe and longest that I 
remember of. It commenced to snow, and winter set in in 
November 1842 and histed up in April 1843. There was good 
sleighing in April. My father went to Maumee for a load of 
corn on the 3d day of April with a team and sled, and he 
drove across the Maumee River on the ice. At that time 
the ice had not commenced to break up. The people had run 
out of feed, and many and hogs and cattle died. For the 
cattle we would cut brouse, that is we would cut down trees, 
and the cattle would brouse on the tops. They would eat 
the small limbs as big as a man's finger. The wild deer 
would come and brouse on the fresh cut trees at night." ^ 

Dr. Tellen — "Was there any sickness or diseases among 
the stock in early times?" 

Yes ; the cattle were subject to rinker pest or bloody 
murrain and hollow horn. We had a good many mulies. 
They did not get the hollow horn, but often in hard winters 
they got hollow stomachs. Later on in some sections they 
got what was called the milk sickness, and many died from 
those diseases." 

Prof. Grabiel — "Did you have schools here then, and 
what did you pay the teachers?" 

"After we were here a few years and enough people had 
settled here to form" a school, we did. The school houses 
were mere log cabins, and they had big fire-places the same 
as our houses. And then we had only three months of school 
in the winter, and none in the summer at first. The teachers 
had to board around with the scholars. The time of board- 
ing was divided as to the number of scholars to fill out the 
three months' board. The time of teaching was six hours 
a day for one week of six days and five days the other week 
— 24 days a month. The wages varied from $12 to $15 per 
month. Our books were the elementary spelling book and 
the New Testament; the seats were slabs, with pins for legs; 
the desks went around at the wall, a slab resting on pins put 
in the wall. All who could write wrote with goose quills. 



186 The Mauines Valley Pioneer Associxition. 

and the teachers were required to keep a penknife and make 
pens for each scholar." 

Prof. Grabiel — "Did you have any preaching and 
churches then?" 

"Yes, we had preachers called circuit-riders, and the 
meetings were lield in log cabins and log schoolhouses once 
every three or four weeks. I remember the. Longs — three 
brothers — Samuel, John and Michael, who lived in Sandusky 
county, being some of our circuit-riders, and their circuit be- 
ing 300 miles it took them from three to four weeks to get 
around. They had to furnish their own horse and go around 
and preach for the people at a salary of $250 per year, and 
then it often happened that they did not get their full pay." 

J. E. Shatzel — "Did you have courts, lawyers and oflBcers 
then?" 

* "We had officers then but the office had to hunt the man 
to take the office. But now the men hunt the office ; that is 
the difference between then and now. The courts did not 
last long, but a few days at a time, and as for lawyers, we 
did not have much use for them. We did not have divorce 
suits. People got married for life then, and there were no 
suits for assault and battery. If one man insulted another, 
or called another a liar, it was a knock-down, and when one 
of the party was licked they would just quit, and the whip- 
ped one would acknowledge that the other one was the best 
man, and then they would shake hands and that was the end 
of it. Now while I think of it I remember of the meteoric 
shower, called the 'stars falling,' on November 14th, 1833. 
The way I came.to see it was that my father was out hunt- 
ing coon. He had five coon up two trees and he dare not cut 
the trees for fear some would get away, so he watched them 
until daylight. After midnight he called us to see the stars. 
It did not frighten us ; father said he thought it was gas, and 
that it Avas natural to this rich and swampy country. He 
said he thought it was caused by gas and that it was not by 
the stars. But when it was learned that it had been seen 
all over the country and on the ocean we did not understand 
it then, while some people thought that the world was com- 
ing to an end, as we had plenty of people that believed in 
the Millerite doctrine of the end of the world." 



Reminiscences 187 



Prof. Grabiel — "You seem to have quite a recollection 
of events?" 

"The events in early life impressed themselves on my 
mind, and in later years, from the day I got married I have 
kept a record of each day. And now, whenever we have it 
hot or cold, or wet or dry, you will hear people complain 
that they never saw it so. But when I look over my diary 
or record I find that we have had more trying times than 
those which the present people are complaining of. Such as 
the long, hard winter of 1842-43 ; and on December 31st, 1863, 
it rained, then snowed at night ; the next day, January 1st, 
1864, it was terribly cold, the register was 24 degrees below 
zero, so you can see what changes we had from warm to cold. 
In 1857 the river froze over on the 20th of November and we 
had a foot of snow the same month. In 1859 the wheat all 
froze on the morning of the 5th of June, after it was all 
bloomed out. In 1862 we had frost every month. In 1855 
we had two inches of snow on the 8th day of May. In 1883 
we had eight inches of snow on the 22nd of May, and the 
balance of the summer was wet and cold, and on the 10th of 
September of the same year it froze ice in the water troughs 
strong enough to carry a man. Now, when you talk of short 
summers, 1883 had the big snow the 22nd of May, and on 
September 10th all vegetables froze, which gave us that year 
only 112 days of summer from the big snow until all froze 
again. Now, for a dry and hot summer, 1854 was the dry- 
est of all in my time, and we raised good corn in Wood 
county that year. I know of some who planted corn on new 
ground the first of June in 1854 and it never rained a drop 
on that field until the corn was ripe in September. We had 
good corn in Wood county, while in some other places it all 
dried up, and in the fall you could buy up all the sheep in 
the dried up counties for a shilling a head. In 1855, the 
next year after the dry year, it rained nearly all summer 
and everything was flooded. I saw one new settler who had 
settled on a new place. The water was all around the 
house and the woman was sitting out on a log crying because 
she could not find a place to milk her cow on 
account of the water. And yet we have lived through all 
that and prepared this country for the present and future 
generations. And now the young have no use for us old 
people." 



188 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



DEATH NOTICES. 



ESTHER A. BLANCHARD— Wife of Samuel Blanchard, at 
•her late residence, 408 Machen street, January 30, 1900, 
aged 71 years and 6 months. 



NATHANIEL DOAN BLINN— Saturday, January 20, 1900, 
aged 63 years, 6 months, at his residence. No. 1541 
Huron street. 



C. E. CURTIS— At 7 :30 p. m., Feb. 20, 1900, aged 79 years 
and 1 day. 



ESTHER SUSAN OUMMINGS— On Saturday, February 24, 

aged 79 years. 



HENRY J. HAYES— February 4, 1900, at his residence, 
2154 Maplewood avenue, aged 82 years. 



WESLEY HICKS— At his late residence on Brown Road, 
Oregon township, Sunday, February 11, 1900, at 9 :30 p. 
M., aged 74 years, 9 months, 17 days. 



JUDGE CALEB M. KEITH— At his residence, 2441 Summit 
avenue, February 11, 1900, aged 84 years. 



GEORGE LASKEY— At his late residence, 2413 Collingwood 
avenue, at 7 p. m., August 12, 1899, aged 75 years. 



AMANDA L. LEWIS— At her late home, No. 1519 Broad- 
way, at 9 :15 p. m., August 16, 1899, aged 64 years. 



Death Notices 1S9 



PETER LANE— At the residence of Alonzo Cavill, in AVash- 
ington township, Wednesday, August 9, 1899, at 6 :45 p. 
M., aged 83 years, 8 months and 18 days. 



COL. C. B. PHILLIPS— At the residence of his son, C. B. 
Phillips, jr., in Blisstield, Mich., Sunday, March 4, aged 
79 years, 9 months, 25 days. 



AMELIA KUHN SCHIELY— At her residence, Maumee, O., 
March 10, 1900, aged 53 years. 



JULIA E. SISSON— Wife of Jesse Sisson, of apoplexy, at 
her residence, 523 Norwood avenue, at 7 p. m., Monday, 
February 19, 1900, aged 71 years, 8 months, 15 days. 



190 



The Maitmee Valley Pioneer Association. 



NOTICE. 



Through the courtesy of The 
Collier's Weekly Publishing Co. 
of New York City, the half-tone 
cut of Major-General Henry W. 
Lawton (page 40) was loaned the 
Maumee Valley Pioneer Asso- 
ciation, for which they hereby 
acknowledge the same with 
thanks. 



List of MemherH. 191 



LIST OF MEMBERSHIP 

Of the Association from its Origin, and the Date of their 
Coming to the Maumee Valley. 



Peter Navarre came to Presque Isle 1793 

General John E. Hunt came to Fort Wayne, April, . 1798 

William Ewing, boi^n in Wood county May 4, 1812 

Isaac Hull came to Maumee 1814 

Thomas H. Leaming, born in Monclova 1815 

Anthony Bordeaux came to Toledo, April, 1816 

Dr, Horatio Conant came to Maumee 1816 

Robert Forsyth came to Maumee • • • . . 1816 

Martha Barlow came to Perrysburg, June, 1818 

Mrs. Roxana Crane, born in Wood county 1818 

A. B. Gunn came to Waterville, March, 1818 

Chas. V. Jemisom came to East Toledo, May, 1818 

William Prentice came to Toledo June 10 ... - 1818 

William Pratt came to Perrysburg, June 1818 

Malinda Knaggs came to Maumee August 7 1818 

David Wilkinson came to Perrysburg 1818 

Paris H. Pray, born at Waterville May 5 1819 

William Travis came to Defiance April 3 1819 

Hannah E. Cross came to Waterville - • 1820 

Edward Gunn came to Napoleon 1820 

Warren B. Gunn came to Waterville 1820 

Mrs. Mary A. Holloway came to Springfield 1820 

Mrs. S. B. Lindsay came to Perrysburg January 1820 

George S. McKnight came to Perrysburg 1820 

John Miller came to Defiance 1820 

Col. Dresden W. H. Howard came to Gilead January 17 1821 

Mrs. M. L. Thurstin came to Bowling Green 1821 

Osman Bucklin 1822 

"Thomas W. Durbin came to Napoleon .1822 

R. Evans came to Defiance in September 1822 

Wm. C. Griffin came to Lucas county 1822 

Frederick Prentice came to Toledo . 1822 

Samuel Rohn came to Defiance April 18 1822 

John Charles Webb came to Perrysburg November 6 1822 

Mrs. H. B. Andrews came to Wood county 1833 

Jonathan Chappel came to Maumee 1823 

Elijah Herrick came to Swanton 1823 

C. Herrick 1823 



192 The Mavmee Yalley Pio.7ieer Association. 

Bryce Hilton came to Bremenburg 1823 

Robert A. Howai'd came to Gilead May 23 ... 1823 

S. P. Hudson came to Defiance 1823 

Peter H. Shaw came to Toledo 1823 

Thomas J. Webb came to Ferrysburg 1823 

Eber Wilson came to Ferrysburg 1823 

Bradford Barlow came to East Toledo 1824 

Amasa Bishop came to Toledo October 1 1824 

Julius Blinn came to Toledo 1824 

Jerry P. Bowen came to Florida 1824 

Carlos Colton came to Monroe -. 1824 

B. F. Pratt came to Perrj^sburg 1824 

Noah A. Whitney came to Toledo 1824 

William R. Banks came to Paulding , 1825 

Nathaniel D. Blinn came to Ferrysburg February 23 1825 

Phillip J. Phillipps came to Tremainsville in January 1825 

O. D. Rodgers came to New Haven, Ind 1825 

A. E. Simpson came to Defiance in October 1825 

Luther Whitnej^ came to East Toledo in March 1825 

Gabriel Grain came to East Toledo 1826 

Eliza Jane Gunn came to Monclova 1826 

Wm. M. Smith came to Defiance 1826 

W. N. Snook came to Antwerp lj^26 

Jeremiah C. Crane came to Ferrysburg January 4 1827 

Lucinda Cross (Haskins) came to Waterville 1827 

Mary A. Gilbert was born in Maumee 1827 

John J. Minor was born in Providence September 25 1827 

George Bowei's came to Napoleon 1828 

Oris Crosby came to Waterville 1828 

Rev. Elnathan C. Gavitt came to Toledo 1828 

N. M. Howard came to Toledo 1828 

Charles B. Phillipps came to Toledo 1828 

Thomas Pray was born in Waterville • . 1828 

Mrs. F. Rodd came to Maumee 1828 

Jane R. (Cross) Van Fleet was born at Waterville 1828 

Wm. Van Fleet was born at Waterville 1828 

Dr. Oscar White came to Maumee August 12 1828 

John P. Farnsworth was born at Waterville 1829 

Joel Foot came to Tontogany 1829 

Mrs. M. D. Norton came to Toledo 1829 

J. Van Fleet 1829 

Isaac Van Tassel came to Tontogany in December 1829 

B. B. Wood Cox came to Defiance 1829 

Charles A. Crane came to East Toledo 1830 

W. R. Bowen came to Napoleon 1830 

David Donaldson came to Gilead 1830 

Peter C. Lewis came to Tremainsville • • 1830 



List of Members. 193 



Phillip G. Loope came to Perrysburg 1830 

Joseph Mitchell came to Toledo in May 1830 

Thomas J. Sterling came to Gilead 1830 

Louisa (Hoofler) Atkinson came to Milton ville 1831 

Sylvester Brown came to Toledo 1831 

Henry P. Barnthistle came to Miltonville in April 1831 

John Cowdrick came to Napoleon 1831 

Sanford L. Collins came to Tremainsville 1831 

Wm. Crook, sr., came to Perrysburg in August . . - 1831 

Gersham Crabb came to Tremainsville 1831 

Adaline Jones came to Toledo 1831 

John P. Rowe came to Vienna 1831 

Two. Stickney came to Toledo 1831 

Cornelius Van Feet came to Waterville 1831 

Mrs. R. C. Stowe came to Sylvania ' 1831 

John Bates came to Perrysburg 1832 

Mrs. Maria Baldwin came to Toledo 1832 

Joseph G. Carr came to Maumee , 1832 

Jacob Cranker came to Toledo June 18 1832 

Darwin Crosby came to Providence 1832 

Ambrose Cone came to Sylvania 1832 

Willard J. Daniels came to Toledo 1832 

Mrs. Thomas Dunlap came to Toledo 1832 

Lewis Eastwood came to Waterville 1832 

H. R. Fenton came to Ridgeville 1832 

Nathan Gardner came to East Toledo 1832 

E. A. Howard came to Defiance May 11 1832 

Mrs. Sophia Palmer 1832 

Yarnel Rakestraw came to Waterville . . 1832 

Mrs. H. Rodgers came to Toledo 1832 

Ira K. Seaman came to Toledo January 13 1832 

Oliver Stevens came to Toledo in October 1832 

Jessup W. Scott came to Perrysburg in June • 1832 

Thomas Southard came to Tremainsville in May 1832 

Charles T. Wales came to Toledo in June 1832 

O. L. Wales came to Toledo 1832 

Jonathan Wood came to Toledo 1832 

H. Wood 1832 

Albert Moore was born in Bowling Green , . . 1832 

Nathan Moore came to Bowling Green 1832 

Joseph G. Cass came to Maumee 1832 

Miller Aaron Smith came to Defiance 1833 

Rosantha Atkins came to Toledo 1833 

Henry Bennett came to Toledo 1833 

Mrs. Henry Bennett came to Toledo 1833 

W. K. Bennett came to Toledo .' 1833 

Andrew Bloomfield came to Perrysburg 1833 



194 The Mau7nee Valley Pioneer Association. 



Abner Brown came to Perrysburg • 1833 

Wm. W. Coder came to Monclova 1833 

G. W. Crepps came to Perrysburg in January 1833 

David Crepps came to Perrysburg 1833 

Sarah A. Stevens Crabb came to Tremainsville 1833 

John Fay came to Perrysburg in October • • 1833 

William Flynn came to Toledo June 23 1833 

Ambrose Hollington came to Bowling Green 1833 

W. R. Hull came to Maumee 1833 

Calvin Herrick came to Toledo 1 1833 

Henry Hefflebower came to Monclova 1833 

W. H. Jones came to Toledo in December 1833 

Thomas Judkins came to Gilead 1833 

Wm. 0. Keeler was born in Perrysburg 1833 

Jonathan Lunday came to Tremainsville 1833 

Levi Manley came to Springfield ■ . . . 1833 

J. D. Mory came to Napoleon 1833 

Charles Pratt came to Toledo - 1833 

Aaron Phillipps came to Portage 1833 

Henry Reed, sr., came to Waterville in October 1833 

Alexander Reed came to Waterville in October 1833 

William Russell came to Defiance 1833 

Jacob Saylor came to Defiance 1833 

J. E. Scofield came to Florida in October .' 1833 

Wm. H.Scott came to Toledo 1883 

Frank J. Scott came to Toledo in April 1833 

J. Austin Scott came to Toledo May 24 1833 

Henry Seabert came to Toledo October 8 1833 

Horace Sessions came to Defiance October 30 1833 

Shebnah Spink came to Perrysburg in April 1833 

Mrs. A. F. Stowe 1833 

Horace Thatcher came to Toledo August 15 1833 

Horace S. Walbridge came to Toledo in the summer of 1833 

Heman D. Walbridge came to Toledo in the summer of 1833 

Hiram Walbridge came to Toledo in the summer of 1833 

Mrs. Sarah Wood 1833 

George Allen came to Monclova in May 1834 

William Ash came to Tremainsville 1834 

Wm. N; Atkinson came to Providence 1834 

A. A. Belknap came to Toledo 1834 

B. H. Bush came to Tremainsville in May 1834 

Samuel Blanchard came to Tremainsville in June 1834 

Mrs. A. C. Bowers came to Napoleon 1834 

William Bales came to Maumee ■■•-.. 1834 

John W. Collins came to Tremainsville October 30 1834 

Morgan L. Collins came to Ti'emainsville in July 1834 

Thomas Corlett came to Toledo^ in August 1834 



List of Members. 195 



Vien Cowdrick was born in Damascus < 1834 

Jacob Clark came to Toledo 1834 

Henry J. Crane came to East Toledo 1834 

J. A. Crofts came to Toledo October 9 1834 

Jairns Curtis 1834 

Calvin M. Drummond came to Maumee 1834 

James Dennison came to Toledo in July 1834 

Joseph W. Deneal came to East Toledo June 17 ... : 1834 

Robert Fenton came to Perrysburg 1834 

William Fellows came to Toledo 1834 

Henry Gerkin came to Perrysburg 1834 

A. D. Gunn came to Springfield 1834 

Harrison L. Holloway came to Toledo 1834 

Charles B. Holloway came to Springfield 1834 

M. W. Hubbell came to Toledo 1834 

Mi's. Sarah Cooper Isham came to Waterville 1834 

D. Lindsay came to Perrysburg 1834 

Pliny Lathrop came to Richfield . .' 1834 

P. G. Loope came to Perrysburg 1834 

J. P. Moore 1834 

Mars Nearing came to Waterville in October 1834 

Eccles Nay came to Toledo 1834 

Edwin Phelps came to Defiance 1834 

Erasmui D. Peck came to Perrysburg 1834 

B. F. Pratt came to Perrysburg in March 1834 

Andrew Printup came to Sylvania 1834 

Abram P. Reed came to Waterville 1834 

J. W. Ross came to Perrysburg 1834 

Paul Raymond came to Toledo 1834 

James B. Ralston came to Bowling Green 1834 

Mrs. Frances P. Secor came to Toledo 1834 

Mrs. Julia E. Smith came to Toledo 1834 

James Smith came to Toledo in September 1834 

James F. Stubbs came to Perrysburg 1834 

Winfield Tappan came to Toledo in April 1834 

Willard Trobridge came to Fulton county May 19 1834 

William Taylor came to Toledo 1834 

Michael Trobridge 1834 

Anson Trobridge came to Toledo in October 1834 

Cornelius Trobridge 1834 

John Van Gunten came to Toledo 1834 

Mrs. Mary 0. Wagner was born in Waterville . . - 1834 

Noah A Whitney came to Toledo 1834 

Henry Wilcox came to Toledo 1834 

S. B. Wordeu came to Toledo ." 1834 

Willard V. Way came to Perrysburg April 15 1834 

William B. Warren came to Sylvania . . . . , 1834 



196 The'Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



Joseph S. Whitney • • 1834 

S. H. Wolfinger came to Maumee in May 1834 

John Wright came to Liberty Center 1834 

Samuel Andrews came to Toledo in June " • • .1835 

James Andrews came to Sylvania 1835 

J. C. Allen came to Maumee March 15 1835 

C. C. Baird came to Perrysburg , . , . 1835 

Gilbert Beach came to Perrysburg in May 1835 

Calvin K. Bennett came to Toledo November 15 1835 

Frederick Bissell came to Toledo in August 1835 

John Berdan came to Toledo in October 1835 

Mrs. Pamela Berdan came to Toledo 1835 

A. B. Brownlee came to Toledo in December 1835 

Mavor Brigham came to Toledo May 25 1835 

Asher Cook came to Perrysburg May 5 • 1835 

Wm. L. Cook came to Perrysburg • • 1835 

Michael Connolly came to Oolton 1835 

Charles Coy came to East Toledo May 8 1835 

John Edger came to Toledo 1835 

John P. Freeman came to Toledo November 1 1835 

E. Fuller came to Perrysburg 1835 

F. A. Graves came to Antwerp . 1835 

E. S. Hanks came to Toledo 1835 

Abraham Hartman came to Toledo in October 1835 

Dr. 0. H. Harroun came to Sylvania in October 1835 

Clara Harroun came to Sylvania 1835 

James G, Haley came to Henry county 1835 

Joseph Jones came to Toledo •• 1835 

Mrs. Rachel Ann Ketcham came to Toledo . 1835 

Mrs. Laura B. Keyser came to Maumee in September 1835 

Lyman Langdon came to Defiance October 24 1835 

Mrs. Hulda Leaming came to Monclova 1835 

Capt. L. C. Locke came to Perrysburg 1835 

D. H. Marcellus came to Defiance 1835 

Alexander H. Newcomb came to Toledo in October 1835 

Jesse S. Norton came to Perrysburg in July 1835 

C. W. Norton came to Toledo in February 1835 

Jane S. Norton came to Toledo 1835 

Don A. Pease came to Toledo 1835 

John IT. Pease came to Sylvania November 15 1835 

Mrs. Amelia Perrin came to Perrysburg 1835 

Emory D. Potter came to Toledo in November 1835 

George Powers came to Perrysburg 1835 

Alonzo Rodgers came to East Toledo in September 1835 

W. A. Scott came to S wanton in. April 1835 

Samuel B. Scott came to Toledo in July 1835 

Levi Snell came to Toledo August 15 1835 



List of Memhers. 197 



Daniel R Stebbins came to Maumee in September • • • 1835 

J. J. Smith came to Perrysburg September 15 1835 

James F. Shepherd came to Toledo in December 1835 

Allen D. Scribner came to Napoleon 1835 

E. Tuller came to Perrysburg October 21 1835 

Mrs. W. Taylor came to Lucas county May 25 1835 

Wm. Taylor came to Lucas county May 25 1835 

Adaline Thomas 1835 

James Trenton 1835 

Perry Thomas came to Wood county 1835 

Henry Warner came to Perrysburg in December . 1835 

William Watson came to Tremainsville in January 1835 

Ohauncey D. Woodruff came to Toledo April 2 1835 

Henry R. Winslow came to Whitehouse 1835 

Mrs. Ellen White came to Swanton 1835 

L. B. Williams came to Napoleon 1835 

William F. Williams came to Liberty Center 1835 

William W. Wilson came to Richfield 1835 

Samuel M. Young came to Toledo June 10 1835 

Oscar W. Ballou was born in Waterville in October . . 1836 

Peter F. Berdan came to Toledo in April 1836 

John R. Bond came to Toledo October 12 . 1836 

N. Doan Blinn was born in Perrysburg May 4 . . , 1886 

Luther Black came to Bowling Green 1836 

Sanford G. Blaker came to Woodville 1836 

Henry Bordner came to Flat Rock 1836 

Mrs. W. A. Brown came to Defiance 1836 

Mrs. Dr. J. H. Bush came to Toledo 1836 

S. H. Cately came to Delta 1836 

N. M. Converse 1836 

Dennis Coghlin came to Toledo 1836 

James M. Comstock came to Toledo March 20 1836 

John Connelly came to Liberty Center 1836 

Newton Curtis came to Swanton May 19 1836 

Edward Connolly came to Toledo 1836 

William Crum came to Tontogany 1836 

Stephen F. Dyer came to Waterville 1836 

John Fitch came to Toledo 1836 

Mary Ferguson came to Napoleon • • 1836 

Capt. 0. N. Gunn came to Maumee 1836 

Joseph E. Hall came to Waterville 1836 

Mrs. E. J. C. Harroun came to Sylvania . . . ; 1836 

Charles W. Hill came to Toledo April 2 • • 1836 

W. C. Holgate came to Defiance 1836 

William Houston came to Perrysburg in May 1836 

Charles B. Holloway came to Springfield 1836 

D. S. Hughs came to Antwerp 1836 



198 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Solomon Johnson . 1836 

Valentine H. Ketcham came to Toledo in July 1836 

Mrs. Joel Kelsey came to Toledo 1836 

Horace Scott Knapp came to the Maumee Valley 1836 

Hugh J. Marcellus came to Defiance 1836 

John A. Moore came to Maumee October 18 1836 

Eichard Mott came to Toledo 1836 

James Myers came to Toledo April 17 1836 

Francis L. Nichols came to Toledo 1836 

Frederick Osgood came to Manhattan 1836 

J. A. Robertson 1836 

Amelius Robertson came to Perrysburg in June 1836 

George Spencer came to Toledo 1836 

Andrew Stephan came to Toledo August 11 ' . 1836 

Dennison B. Smith came to Toledo 1836 

Wm. M. Stubbs came to Defiance 1836 

Wm. S. Thurstin came to Bowling Green 1836 

Oapt. Ebenezer Walbridge came to Toledo in April 1836 

Martin Warner came to Tontogany 1836 

Elijah J. Woodruff came to Yondota June 18 . 1836 

Josiah W. White came to Toledo March 6 1836 

Charles Ballard came to Maumee in July 1837 

David Barnes 1837 

Mathias Boos came to Toledo 1837 

Rev. T. C. Baldwin came to Waterville 1837 

Dan. A. Collins came to Toledo August 31 1837 

John A. Conway came to Toledo in July 1837 

John Consaul came to East Toledo 1 837 

Thomas Daniels came to Toledo in September 1837 

Hannah L. Dennison came to Toledo May 23 1837 

Charles M. Dorr came to Toledo in August 1837 

Charles W. Evers came to Bowling Green 1837 

W. 0. Ensign 1837 

Mrs. O. N. Gunn came to Maumee 1837 

J. D. Fisk came to Defiance 1837 

James G. Haly came to Defiance in July 1837 

George W. Hoofler came to Miltonville 1837 

Anna M. Johnston 1837 

Harry Kellogg came to Adams township • • • 1837 

James H. La Faner came to Bowding Green 1837 

Huldah Learning came to Monclova 1837 

Lorenzo L. Morehouse came to Waterville in May 1837 

Jerome Myers came to Toledo in September ' . . 1837 

John R. Osborne came to Toledo 1837 

John W. Parsons came to Perrysburg in May 1837 

Marmaduke W. Pray came to Waterville 1837 

Gen. James B. Steedman came to Napoleon October 5 1837 



List of Memhers. 199 



Orpha N. Stebbins came to Toledo 1837 

George H. Stinecamp came to Toledo 1837 

J. R. Tracy came to Toledo 1837 

S. B. Thornton came to Perrysburg in February 1837 

Jacob H. Tappan came to Toledo 1837 

W. R. Tubbs 1837 

Wells Watkius came to Swan ton 1837 

George Weddell came to Perrysburg in May 1837 

Milo Bashare came to Toledo 1838 

Richard Bomford came to Toledo 1838 

C. O. Brigham came to Toledo 1838 

Patrick Galloway came to Toledo 1838 

John S. Greenler came to Defiance 1838 

S. L. Curtis came to Napoleon 1838 

Henry Huber came to to Weston 1838 

P. G. Loope 1838 

Ozias Merrell came to Delta 1838 

Wm. H. Merritt came to Toledo 1838 

Thomas Mawer came to Tontogany 1838 

Mrs. Fannie Peters 1838 

S. Perrin came to Perrysburg 1838 

Henry E. Peck came to Perrysburg in April 1838 

Clara Pocock came to Antwerp 1838 

H. T. Smith came to Maumee in April 1838 

Joseph V. Straight came to Toledo in December 1838 

Wm. S. Thurstin was born in Bowling Green 1838 

John B. Van Renssalaer came to Waterville 1838 

Isaac Van Tassell came to Tontogany 1838 

Morrison R. Waite came to Maumee October 2 1838 

C. W. Williamson 1838 

Frederick A. Butler 1839 

William Corlett came to Toledo 1839 

D. L. Colby came to Cecil in July . . . . ~. 1839 

Galusha Chase came to Toledo , 1839 

P. H. Dowling came to Fulton county 1839 

Mrs. Arabella H. Hooker came to Defiance 1839 

Joseph Kellogg came to Adams township 1839 

Mrs. F. J. Lattimore came to Cecil ' . 1839 

Martin L. Leezen came to Toledo 1839 

Alex McCabe came to Waterville 1839 

James Pearson 1839 

John L. Pray was born in Waterville February 17 ■ . 1839 

Martin Perky came to Defiance 1839 

S. A. Raymond came to Toledo in August 1839 

Mrs. Alice Simonds came to Bowling Green 1839 

Charles I. Scott came to Toledo 1839 

W. W. Stukey came to Antwerp • • 1839 



200 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

M. E. Stevens Thornton came to Defiance . . , • • 1839 

Charles P. Tittle came to Defiance 1839 

Edwin Tuller came to Perrysburg October 21 1839 

Thomas Tiernan came to Toledo 1839 

James M. Wolcott was born in Maumee 1839 

Emily B. Brubacker came to Florida 1840 

George A. Carpenter came to Toledo October 22 . 1840 

S. S. Carter came to Swan Creek 1840 

Mrs. Mary Dodd came to Waterville 1840 

George W. Downs came to Miltonville • • • 1840 

Judge Thomas Dunlap came to Toledo September 6 1840 

J. S. Davidson came to Napoleon 1840 

I. N. Hathaway came to Toledo ■ 1840 

John W. Kerr was born in Monclova 1840 

Charles A King came to Toledo • - 1840 

John Lamphier came to Liberty Center 1840 

N. M. Landis came to Toledo 1840 

Mrs. C. E. McDowell came to Prairie Depot 1840 

Capt. James McNelly came to Toledo 1840 

Mrs. R. B. Mitchell came to Maumee ■ 1840 

Wm. M. Morehouse came to Waterville 1840 

Daniel Newton came to Bowling Green 1840 

Gibbins Parry came to Defiance April 19 1840 

Sarah Pearce came to Toledo 1840 

Wm. E. Farmelee, sr., came to Toledo 1840 

James Reynolds came to Grand Rapids 1840 

Joseph K. '^ecor came to Toledo '• 1840 

Samu'i Henry Thomas came to Plaine 1840 

Adam Wilhelm came to i>efiance 1840 

Charles E. Blinn came to Toledo 1841 

F. G. Brown came to Defiance 1841 

Jacob Gurwell came to Defiance June 14 1841 

Isaac Karsener came to Florida 1841 

W. K. Love came to Colton . 1841 

Z. G. Pheatt came to Toledo 1841 

John H. Poulson came to Colton 1841 

Estella Rumber came to Perrysburg 1841 

Thomas J. Southard came to Toledo November 24 1841 

Wm. Sheflield came to Napoleon in March 1841 

Edwin W. Thomas came to Toledo 1841 

A. Yeager came to Grelton 1841 

Elias Avery came to Toledo 1842 

Wm. H. Boos came to Toledo 1842 

Mrs. Harvey Berdan came to Florida 1842 

Robert Bloomfield came to Perrysburg 1842 

Frederick J. Cole came to Toledo January 6 ... 1842 

Michael J. Cooney came to Toledo January 27 1842 



List of Memhers. 201 



H. R. Fenton came to Okolona 1842 

George Freas came to Okolona 1842 

Francis Hollenbeck came to Perrysburg 1842 

Phillip Hoag came to Toledo - 1842 

Frank T. Lane came to Maumee .... 1842 

A. H. Plant came to Maumee 1842 

J. P. Ralston came to Defiance 1842 

R. E. Richards came to Washington townshija 1842 

Perry B. Truax came to Toledo 1842 

Mrs. M. P. Brigham came to Toledo 1843 

Kate O. Brown came to Defiance 1843 

Wm. C. Cheney came to Toledo November 27 . . - 1843 

Thomas W. Durbin came to Texas 1843 

William J. Finlay came to Toledo 1843 

J. M. Gloyd came to Toledo in September 1843 

Parley C. Holt came to Maumee ' 1843 

Mrs. N. M. Howard came to Toledo 1843 

R. B. Mitchell came to Maumee October 12 1843 

Mathias Reiser came to Napoleon 1843 

Catherine E. Scofield came to Florida 1843 

John Shull came to Sylvania 1843 

E. E. Stewart came to Toledo 1843 

Mrs. Mary M. Stewart came to Toledo 1843 

Lyman T. Theyer came to Toledo - 1843 

D. R. H. Timpany came to Toledo October 15 1843 

John A. Waite came to Toledo in September 1843 

W. S. Waite came to Toledo in September 1843 

A. B. Waite came to Toledo in September 1843 

Mrs. A. B. Waite came to Toledo in September - • . -1843 

Alonzo H. Wood came to Toledo in October 1843 

Mrs. R. Woodward 1843 

Horatio 8. Young came to Toledo 1843 

John G. Avery came to Toledo 1844 

William Baker came to Toledo in November • . 1844 

Stanley F. Brigham came to Toledo in December 1844 

Henry Bisber came to Antwerp 1844 

Mrs. Eliza Blodgett came to Toledo in February . . . ..... . . 1844 

H. E. Brucksieker came to Toledo . ..... ■ 1844 

Charles H. Eddy came to Toledo 1844 

William H. Eggleston came to Toledo ■ .1844 

David Gilson came to Napoleon 1844 

John Holt came to Monclova 1844 

H. B. Hall came to Defiance 1844 

W. C. Johnson came to Grelton 1844 

A. C. Judson came to Grand Rapids ... . 1844 

Henry G. Newbert was born in Toledo August 11 1844 

Wm. E. Parmelee was born in Toledo August 3 . - - 1844 



202 The Matmiee Valley Pioneer Association. 

D. A. Pocock came to Antwerp 1844 

Mrs. E. D. Peck came to Perrysburg 1844 

C A. Powers came to Perrysburg 1844 

W^ H. Russell came to Liberty Center 1844 

D. G. Saltonstall came to Toledo 1844 

John W. Stevens came to Napoleon 1844 

John H. Whittaker came to Toledo 1844 

Emery P. Willey came to Toledo October 18 1844 

James Winans came to Toledo May 12 1844 

J. S. White came to Swanton 1844 

Thomas Watts 1844 

James Blass came to Toledo 1845 

Mrs. 0. W. Ballou came to Waterville 1845 

Mrs. Mary G. Baker came to Toledo 1845 

Ed. F. Brown came to Toledo • • 1845 

M. Carn came to Delta 1845 

William Doren came to Waterville 1845 

Alonzo Godard came to Toledo 1845 

D. Y. Howell came to Toledo 1845 

D. P. Hudson came to Napoleon 1845 

Joel W. Kelsey came to Toledo 1845 

James F. Lattimore came to Cecil •• 1845 

J. W. Ross came to Perrysburg • • 1845 

G. F. Rothenberger came to Florida 1845 

Jesse Sisson came to Toledo ■ . 1845 

Henry Thorner came to Toledo September 21 1845 

Julius Van Hyning came to Napoleon 1845 

Ward Woodard came to Liberty Center 1845 

Benjamin L. Able was born in Defiance 1846 

R. V. Boice came to Toledo March 1846 

John Doren came to Whitehouse 1846 

Edwin H. Hunter came to Maumee 1846 

John 8. Kountz was born in Springfield township March 25 • ■ . ■ 1846 

Wm. Laughlin came to Toledo March 2 1846 

N. M. Merikel came to Toledo 1846 

John McGarvey came to Colton 1846 

John Oswalt came to Antwerp . . ' 1846 

J. Roemer came to Toledo May 14 1846 

B. M. Rakestraw came to Hicksville . . . • 1846 

C. L. Spencer came to Toledo 1846 

A. F. Stebbins came to Sylvania 1846 

D. S. Shepherd came to McClure , 1846 

John B. Van Renssellaer came to Maumee Bay 1846 

J. W. Walterhouse came to Toledo April 2 1846 

E. T. Waite came to Toledo October 16 , 1846 

0. H. Whittaker came to Toledo September 6 ...1846 

M. Woodward came to Liberty Center 1846 



Li.stof Members. 203 



Robert H. Bell came to Toledo. 1847 

Delia A. Bell came to Toledo 1847 

F. M. Brubacher came to Florida 1847 

P. P. Doering came to Antwerp 1847 

0. W. Foster came to La Moine 1847 

Horace J. Fisk came to Toledo 1847 

Martha Giirwell came to Defiance 1847 

Joab C. Jones came to Colton 1847 

Mrs. Betsy Ann Kellogg came to Adams Township 1847 

Nicholas Mathews came to Toledo 1847 

B. L. Peters came to North Baltimore 1847 

S. P. Raymond came to Toledo May 9 1847 

1. N. Reed came to Toledo 1847 

Helen Brown Scott came to Defiance -- .1847 

Peter Sisler came to Florida 1847 

John Shelt came to Napoleon 1847 

H. Sentre came to Napoleon 1847 

L. W. Taft came to Toledo in April 1847 

Charles West came to Toledo in June 1847 

J. M. Ainsworth came to Hicksville 1848 

Albert G. Clarke came to Toledo... .1848 

Henry Carpenter came to Liberty Center ^ 1848 

H. T. Cook came to Toledo May 14 ." 1848 

Jennie Dunlap came to Toledo 1848 

John Faskius came to Toledo July 5 1848 

Harrison Hudson came to Napoleon 1848 

L. J. Jones came to Digby, Wood County 1848 

John B. Ketcham, 2nd came to Toledo September 15 1848 

W. Henry Keeler came to Neapolis 1848 

James W. Myers came to Toledo December 1 1848 

J. H. Parks came to Toledo .^ , = 1848 

Esther Perigo came to Toledo , 1848 

George Stebbins came to Napoleon 1848 

Abram B. Thompson came to Delta.. 1848 

Jerry Washner 1848 

David Wilson came to Napoleon 1848 

J. H. Zuber came to Antwerp 1848 

A. B. Brownlee came to Toledo 1849 

Capt. James Draper came to Toledo 1849 

B. F. Deamer came to Defiance 1849 

W. C. Hapenhinson came to Defiance .' 1849 

Mrs. J. W. Howe came to Toledo 1849 

Julius Hufiring came to Napoleon 1849 

Cecil A. Hall came to Toledo 1849 

Mary B. Jarvis came to Defiance 1849 

Dr. W. W. Jones came to Toledo 1849 

C. A. Marksheffle came to Toledo May 20 1849 



204 The Mattmee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Guido Marx came to Toledo 1849 

E. B. Mix came to Defiance 1849 

D. H. Nye came to Toledo March 27 1849 

Henry Phillipps came to Toledo 1849 

W. L. Eowland came to Toledo November 16 1849 

Wm. H. H. Smith came to Toledo in October 1849 

Henry Frank Van Fleet was born in Waterville 1849 

George Watkins came to Swanton 1849 

George E. Wells came to Napoleon in April 1849 

Caleb Wheeler came to Napoleon 1849 

C. C. Young came to Liberty Center 1849 

John B. Zuber came to Antwerp 1849 

H. R. Andrews came to Florida , 1850 

Jonathan J. Baird came to Toledo 1850 

John N. Brubacker came to Florida 1850 

David Brubacker came to Florida 1850 

Isaac Corwin came to Defiance 1850 

William Geyser came to Swanton 1850 

Mrs. Mary E. Gloyd came to Toledo September 1 1850 

Henry Harms came to Antwerp 1850 

W. T. Kail came to Toledo April 1 1850 

Charles T. Howe came to Toledo in April 1850 

A. D. Howell came to Toledo December 2 1850 

Henry Kahlo came to Defiance in May 1850 

J. K. Myers came to Ayersville 1850 

Mrs. Eveline Newton came to Eoachton 1850 

Alonzo D. Pelton came to Toledo 1850 

S. S. Eeed came to Toledo February 17 1850 

Samuel Stettiner came to Toledo July 8 , 1850 

Mrs. Sabina Shelt came to Napoleon 1850 

Joseph M. Spencer came to Toledo February 25 1850 

Minot I. Wilcox came to Toledo April 16 1850 

Christ Wachter came to Toledo April 15 1850 

Louis Wachenheimer came to Toledo in May 1850 

Simon Waggoner came to Colton 1850 

Rudolph Zingg came to Perrysburg 1850 

James K. Brown came to Napoleon 1851 

A. B. Bradley came to Toledo ..' 1851 

H. E. Brecksicker came to Toledo , 1851 

Calvin Bronson came to Toledo 1851 

Dr. Samuel'S. Forbes came to Toledo 1851 

Henry J. Hardy came to Defiance October 8 ^ 1851 

J. Huddle came to Napoleon 1851 

John B. Ketcham 1st, came to Toledo , 1851 

George Kintner came to Defiance .1851 

Edward Malone came to Toledo November 21 1851 

Judge Louis H. Pike came to Toledo January 2 1851 



List of Memhers. 205 



Gov. Robt. K. Scott came to Napoleon August 5 1851 

I. Newton Van Tassel came to Bowling Green 1851 

W. H. Whittaker came to Toledo April 2nd 1851 

David Wilder came to Toledo ...1851 

Col. J. H. Brigham came to Delta 1852 

Rev. O. J. Britton came to Neapolis 1852 

Mrs. Thomas Brown came to Maumee 1852 

S. D. Chamberlain came to Toledo 1852 

Eli Culberson came to Grand Rapids 1852 

Malcom Crockett came to Grelton 1852 

Charles H.Eddy came to Toledo 1852 

Jacob Englehardt came to Toledo 1852 

Samantha Lowry came to Florida 1852 

Clark McDonald came to Weston 1852 

George W. Merrill 1852 

Lake Erie Myers came to Defiance 1852 

Mrs. Mary E. Pray came to Whitehouse 1852 

W. H. Reed came to Toledo in January ...1852 

Hon. Justin H. Tyler came to Napoleon 1852 

Thomas Vanstone came to Toledo in October 1852 

Mars Wheeler came to Toledo June 28 1852 

John B. Waggoner came to Colton 1852 

J. P. Buffington came to Defiance 1853 

Michael J. Enright came to Toledo 1853 

A. F. Hardesty came to Payne 1853 

H. J. Hayes came to Toledo 1853 

Andrew Hunker came to Toledo 1853 

Mary Hunker came to Toledo 1853 

Henry Kenyon came to Maumee 1853 

J. C. McLain came to Gillead 1853 

James Raymer came to Toledo 1853 

William T. Saxton came to Swanton 1853 

John E. Wilcox came to Maumee 1853 

John B. Wilson came to Bowling Green 1853 

Wm. G. Alexander came to Toledo , .•...1854 

Peter H. Burckhead came to Toledo ,. 1854 

H. H. Fast came to Holgate 1854 

W. F. Flock came to Antwerp 1854 

Wilson W. Griflith came to Toledo in March, 1854 

A. W. Gleason came to Toledo — ...1854 

John G. Holsworth came to Toledo September 19 1854 

Jane E. Harris came to Antwerp 1854 

Charles H. Parsons came to East Totedo 1854 

J. L. Pocock came to Antwerp 1854 

W. K. Shepherd 1854 

E. C. Smith came to Toledo April 24 1854 

Albert C. Tucker came to Holland — 1854 



206 The Mmimee Valley Pioneer Association. 

H. S. Weavei' came to Florida 1854 

Eunice S. Abbott came to Toledo July 28 1855 

Wm. Babbington came to Toledo 1855 

Leander Burdick came to Toledo , 1855 

Olivers. Bond came to Toledo.... 1855 

S. L. Boughton came to Bowling Green 1855 

E. 0. Contour 1855 

Edward Chapin came to Toledo 1855 

George D. Caldwell came to Wood county March 28 1855 

Thomas Crofts came to East Toledo ' 1855 

S. L. Gordon came to Antwerp 1855 

William Lose came to Monclova 1855 

Mrs. Thomas Mawer came to Waterville 1855 

Edward Pennock came to Liberty Center ...1855 

Frank Powell came to Perrysburg 1855 

Wm. Schaunsenbaugh came to Toledo in September 1855 

Dr. J. T. Woods came to the Maumee Valley 1855 

Herman Baumbach came to Toledo 1856 

Stillman Brown came to East Toledo 1856 

Mrs. C. A. Creig came to Toledo 1856 

Mary Ferguson came to Napoleon 1856 

Mrs. P. G. Garrett came to Waterville 1856 

Jacob Romeis came to Toledo 1856 

Joseph Shertzer came to the Maumee Valley 1856 

George W. Vrooman came to the Maumee Vallej^ 1856 

Clark Vv'^aggoner came to Toledo 1856 

James W. Hardy came to Colton 1858 

James M. Eitchie came to Toledo 1858 

John T. West came to Liberty Center 1858 

John Wescott came to Maumee 1858 

H. B. Ferguson came to Antwerp 1859 

Adam Gramliug came to Colton 1859 

E. E. Pocock came to Antwerp 1859 

Wm. Brooks came to Napoleon 1860 

John A.. Conway came to Toledo I860 

S. W. Hague came to Napoleon 1860 

Mrs. Amanda Blaker came to Maumee 1861 

Daniel Hately came to Napoleon 1861 

John Huddle came to Napoleon 1861 

R. W. McMahan came to Bowling Green 1861 

Wm. Parrott came to Colton 1861 

Aaron Wales came to Colton 1861 

Perkins G. Garrett came to Haskins 1862 

A. L. Sargent came to Delta 1862 

L. A. Brilheit 1863 

C. A. Bissell came to Antwerp 1863 

Mary Pihlman came to Napoleon 1863 



List of Members. 207 



George W. Campbell came to Perrysburg 1864 

John T. Greer came to Toledo March 10 1865 

A. E. Macomber came to Toledo 1865 

H. M. Talmage came to Toledo 1865 

Wm. Whittaker came to Col ton 1865 

Mrs. Matilda N. Hill came to Napoleon 1866 

Jacob E. Hime came to I'oledo 1866 

Franklin Hubbard came to Toledo 1866 

A. C. Leist came to Liberty Center 1866 

Ira A. Richardson came to Toledo 1866 

Fred Foot was born in Tontogany 1868 

John E. Gunckel came to Toledo • • 1868 

Rev. Robert Quaife came to Toledo 1868 

James B. Robinson came to Adams township 1869 

A. M. Woolson came to Toledo - 1869 

J. M. Longnecker came to Delta 1870 

Dr. Charles E. Slocum came to Defiance 1871 



208 Tlie Maumee Yalley Pioneer Association. 



= I30 YOILJ GE^T OILTTT J^ 



Catalogue 



OR DO ANY 
SORT OF,^.^ 



Illustrated Advertising? 



WHY PAY A COMMISSION 
TO HAVE YOUR WORK 
SENT ^'OUT OF TOWNr 



KJS^J^itiSI 



f^ We are Sure to Save you Time, ^^4 

and if you deal directly with us, 'mf 

we can Save You Money..^,^^ Jl 






We are Designers and Engravers by all Methods. 
Half-Tones, Zinc Etchings, Color Work, Etc. 

HBHS! 

THE MAUMEE ENGRAVING CO., 

325-329 ST. CLAIR STREET, 
TOLEDO, OHIO. 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 209 

Established 1858. 

the Brown, Gagar & Bull Co. 

Book Sellers, ^^^ ..Stationers, 
Wall Paper Dealers, 






Books of Every Description, 

Correspondence and Office Stationery, 

Interior Decoration, 



409-411 Summit Street, toUdo, Ohio. 



Established 1866. 






GROCER 






Japan Tea and Fine Coffees our 
Specialty. 






Removed to 110-112 Summit St., 

TOLEDO, OHIO. 



210 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Union Central Savings Bank^ 

SOS Wadison St,, St Paul Building, 
tohdo, Ohio, 

J. p. McAFEE, President. JAMES MELVIN, Vice-President. 

JOHN MILLIQAN, Cashier. 
S. LLOYD McAFEE, Ass't Casliier. J. EARLE McAFEE, Ass't Cashier 



General Banking Business Transacted. Bell Phone 

Commercial Accounts Solicited. 933. 



Union Central Life Insurance ^ 

J. P. McAFEE, Manager N. W. Ohio. 

Assets, January I, J 900 - - - - $23,000,000 

Lowest Death Rate. Largest Rate of Interest. 

Large and Increasing Dividends to Policy Holders. 

Bell Phone 956. Office, 30t to 305 

Harrison 390. Chamber of Commerce. 



TALK DOES NOT 
MAKE. 



A Good Stock 



BUT A GOOD I 

«^°^^ Makes Talk! 



That is why you hear so much 
about our 



CLOTHING, FURNISHINGS AND HATS. 



J. MELVIN & GO.. Summii street 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



211 



We'll Stretch 
Your Dollars 

And make them go just as far 
as possible if you will give us 
a chance. You'll get the 
worth of your money if you 
trade with us 

Diamontis, Watches 

Jewelry, 

Silverware, EtCm 

J. J. Freeman & Co., Sm13^ 

313 Summit Street, Toledo, Ohio. 




Zokdo, Bowling 6rcen and Trcmont 
Hailwai^ Company... ''"'"/'■"" ™edo toBowi 

' ^ ' ^ ing (jrreen and points south 

to Jerry City every 52 minutes. 

... GOOD SERVICE. FAST TIME.... 



TALKING ABOUT PIONEERS 



What's the 
matter A^vitti 



ii 



The Bee-Hive" 

as a pioneer store? The building occupied by tlie "Bee-Hive" was the second 
brick building erected in Toledo Stickney hall being the first. The upper floor of 
this building was once used as a court room and jail. Men like Chief Justice 
Waite. Daniel O. Morton and other famous lawyers attended court here. Keeler 
& Berdan had a general store in this building long before Fred Katon opened the 
Bee-Hive in 1857, so that it is safe to say that this store has been a pioneer by dif- 
ferent parties for nearly tiO years, and it seems that is like the poet's brook that 
"flows on forever." A generation has come and g:ine since this store started, and 
it's a better store to-day than ever it was. Young and old can find the goods here 
they need, and always for less money than in other and more pretentious stores. 
Come and see us. 

The FIsher'Eaton Com ''Bee-Zf/ve." 



212 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

■ J. nD^f^vis 



^DEALER IN: 



Hardware, Stoves, Tinware, Brushes, 
Paints, Oii and Giassm 

PERRYSBURG, O, 



JJ.AMON, 



BIGYGLE GOODS. 

Standard Qualltu. 



General Hardware. 

I'^eVs'aSa.^u^^''' PERRYSBURG, O. 



ART FINKBEINER, 



^DEALER IN; 



Dry Goods, Clothing, Hats,Caps 

AND SHOES, 
PERRYSBURG, O. 



...PERRYSBURG, OHIO... 

Men's. Boys' Clothitlg & Ctiildrens' 

A. 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



213 




Bowling Green. 



We Deal in Everything for the Farmer 
to Farm wlihm 

Wagons and Harness for the Teamster m 

Tools ami Builtlers' Hardware for the 
Contractor^ 

Stoves & Stove Furniture for the homom 

Buggies and Pleasure Carriages of all 
Kinds for Everybody, and all at 
Lowest Prices m 



y^'S^:^^ 



Call and See Us and Be 
Convlncedm 



214 The Mauniee Valley Pioneer Association. 

J. E. SHATZEL, 

A itorney'at'Law, 

VON KANEL BLOCK. D^nmmtSmmmm r^mm^^^m* f% 

SOUTH MAIN STREET. BowUng Grccn, U» 



JAMES & BEVERSTOCK, 
Lawyers, 

524 TO 527 SPITZER BLDG., 1 TO 5 FIRST NAT'L BANK BLDG,, 

TOLEDO, OHIO. BOWLING GREEN, O. 

J. W. CANARY. P. C. PRENTISS. 

CANARY & PRENTISS, 
AttomeyS'ai'Lavf, 

REED & MERRY BLOCK. Bowiittg Grccn, Om 



DR. G. H. McCartney, 

Opilclst and Optician, 



GLASSES PROPERLY FITTED M^^.mmtSm*^ #*mm«*m /I 

AND FURNISHED. Bowlinff Urccn, a* 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 215 

A. E. ROYCE, President. J. O. TROUP. V-President. 

FRANK M. YOUNG, CASHIER. 



THE COMMERCIAL BANKING CO,, 

Dire<tois: Capital, $75,000. 

A. E. Royce, Bowliug Green. 

J. O. Troup, Bowling Green. 

Robert Dunn, Bowling Green. "^rmmmr MS mm mm #*M»j^j»Ma 

Frank M. Young, Bowling G'-een. aOwTttng %xrGCn, 

J. J. Coon, Toledo. 

F. B. Shoemaker, Toledo. #!!■>«« 

J. C. Donnell, Findlay. WjnMVM 



Special Prices to the Pioneers for 

....PHOTOS... 

AT 

MORRISON'S GALLERY, 

NORTH MAIN STREET, BOWUttff GrOOtt, OMOm 

HOPPER & YANT, 

Leading 
Clotltiers, Furnisiters, Hatters, Etcm 

Bowling Green, 

No. 7 UNION BLOCK, OhiOm 

THE PIONEER DRUG STORE OP WOOD COUNTY. 



Drugs, Books, Wall Paper, Cigars and 
Soda Water, 

EVERYTHING FIRST-CLASS AND UP TO DATE. 
THE ONLY CORNER DRUG STORE. 

«/. C, LINCOLN & SON'S 
Pharmacy, 

Bowling Green, OhiOm 



Appendii: 



217 



APPENDIX 



The following members of the Pioneer Monumental As- 
sociation have been voted into the Maumee Valley Pioneer 
Association. The list of names were received too late to be 
classified in membership list : 



ANN ARBOR, MICH. 
Scott, Edwin H. Scott, J. Austin 



Barmell, J. H. 



Abbott, B. L. 
Black, L. 
Brewer, M. P. 
Brown, George M. 
Brown, Paul J. 
Benscoter, W. A. 
Culver, J. V. 
Donnelly, R. M. 
Hill, G. W. 
Knaup, George 



Hall, Alvin 
Whittaker, J. H. 



Briggs, Frank 
Brigham, J. H. 
Cully, W. J. 
Carr, M. 

Fashbaugh, J. B. 
Hatton, A, 



ARCOLA, IND. 

Smith, Elisha 

BOWLING, GREEN, O. 

Mitchell, J. H. 
McMahon, R. W. 
Newton, J. B. 
Poe, E. W. 
Phelps, George C. 
Reid, y. C. 
Thompson, F. H. 
Troup, J. O. 
Whitehead, J. H. 
Young, F. M. 

CHAMBERLIN, IND. 

Null, Dr. S. C. 

DELTA, O. 

Holt, John P. 
Merrill, Ozias 
Sargeant, A. L. 
Stall, James 
Waltz, E. L. 
Wells, Watkins 



218 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



Breckbill, A. T. 
Brown, Charles S. S. 
Carter, Wm. 
Crow, John 
Cosgrove, E. 
Elliott, Thomas 
Finn, J. J, 
Gleason, K. H. 
Greenler, J. S. 
Helpman, P. E. 
Hill, H. J. 
Haymaker, K. V. 
Karr, T. L. 



Brown, David F. 
Hall, G. C. 



DEFIANCE, O. 

Kettering, Peter 
Kivole, W. N. 
Mangor, Peter 
Newton, Townsend 
Purky, Martin 
Skiver, Augustus 
Shannon, Peter 
Sanford, W. P. 
Slocum, Dr. C. E. 
Van Dusen, N. 
Wellman, William 
Weisenburge, G. M. 

EVANSPORT, O. 

Yeager, Thomas 



Alderman, Frank 
Austin, A. B. 
Anderson, Calvin 
Abbott, Wm. T. 
Barbour, M. F. 
Bernhart, Mathias 
Banister, A. L. 
Berghoff, H. J. 
Barnett, Abraham 
Cody, Maurice 
Cope, Abraham 
Cummings, T. J. 
Davis, A. A. 
Dougall, Allen H. 
Dougherty, Alfred 
Foster, d'. N. 
Fletcher, Charles P 
Falkner, Frank 
Greeg, Dr. J. S. 
Hanna, H. C. 



FORT WAYNE, IND. 

Lang, Rev, A. J. 
Lovely, W. Y. 
Leonard, N. B. 
Loubard, Joseph 
Metcalf, Dr. S. C. 
Mowerham, Dennis 
McMaken, H. C. 
Mcintosh, Wm. 
Muhler, Chas. F. 
Pixldy, George W. 
Parker, Christ 
Pickpartrink, Charles 
Randoll, P. A. 
Randall, T. P. 
Robertson, R. S. 
Rudesill, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Seaton, Dr. John 
Turner, H. 
Wharton, Charles C. 



Weissell, D. D. 



Appendix. 



219 



Harter, Phillip 
Hayden, J. W. 
Johns, A. S. 



FORT WAYNE— Continued. 

Williams, Harry M. 
White, J. B. 
Zellers, Allen 



Barr, W. J. 
Rothinberger, G. F. 



Patten, Samuel 
Holloway, H. L. 
Belknap, J. P. 
Coon, A. K. 



FLORIDA, O. 

Lowry, Josepji 
Wiebel, Joseph 

HICKSYILLE, O. 

Rakestraw, B. M. 



HOLLAND, O. 

Wood, Perry 

HOLGATE, O. 

Rennecker, William 

LIBERTY CENTER, O. 

Williams, W. F. 



Blake, George H. 
Eckhart, A. W. 
Mitchell, Reuben B. 



Gunn, Warren B. 
Kerr, J. W. 

Angenstein, Jacob 
Bowers, W. R. 
Curtis, S. L. 
Hague, S. M. 
Haag, John M. 
Hull, James 8. 
Hancock, D. H. 
Orwig, Luther L. 



MAUMEE, O. 

Sheffield, Mrs. Hulda H. 
Sherbrook, A. 
VanRensellaer, J. B. 

MONCLOVA, 0. 

Reed, Maria 

NAPOLEON, 0. 

Randal, L. G. 
Rhodes, Joshua 
Shaffierce, A. M. 
. Thompson, Orin 
Tyler, J. H. 
Tyler, Asa H. 
Wheeler, Caleb 
Wilson, John 



220 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



PERRYSBURG, O. 

Eberly, John Stubbs, J. F. 

Mandel, Henry E. 

RIDGEVILLE CORNERS, O. 

Harper, John W. Spangler, Daniel W. 

Kline, Abraham 

SW ANTON, O. 

Fairchild, Alonzo Miller, Joseph H. 

Gingery, E. Scott, Dr. W. A. 

Lutz, W. J. 

SYLVANIA, O. 
Warren, William B. Warren, Foster R. 



Gibson, William H. 



Applegate, D. S. 
Allen, Declan 
Andrews, James 
Brigham, Mayvor 
Browning, S. O. 
Brumback, O. S. 
Byrne, David 
Bement, Samuel 
Blinn, Doan 
Cotter, Harry C. 
Collins, D. A. 
Clarke, William 
Commager, D. H. 
Commager, Mrs. H. S. 
Conway, John A. 
Dunlap, Thomas 
Dewey, D. D. 
Garrett, E. C. 
Glann, N. P. 



TIFFIN, O. 

Pennington, R. G. 

TOLEDO, O. 

Howe, David 
Hunsappan, Mrs. Phoeba. 
Jay, Samuel 
Melvin, James 
Masters, Frank P. 
Metier, Stanford 
Milton, William 
Oblinger, A. J. 
Osborne, J. R. 
Potter, E. D. Jr. 
Pike, L. H. 
Raymer, James 
Schenck, S. C. 
Smith, Denison B. 
Tanner, George 
Tappan, W. R. 
Toulerton, John W; 
VanHorn, John 
Waite, Richard 



Appendix. 221 

TOLEDO— Continued. 

Griffin, Charles P. Worden, S. B. 

Gunn, D. A. Williams, W. H. 

Hollington, Rev. Whitmore, W. H. 

Hopkins, J. M. Young, W. P. 
Hipp, Dr. A. F. 

TONTOGANY, O. 

Foote, Joel ' Huffman, B. W. 

Fuller, Edwin 

VANWERT, O. 

Mooney, P. H. Pocock, Jesse 

McCann, A. C. Snook, W. N. 

WAUSEON, O. 

Andre, Adam Robinson, A. B. 

Bayer, Elliott Weaver, W. W. 

Biddle, 8. C. 

WESTON, O. 

Henderson, D. Seing, Y. W. 

Morehouse, S. Strauser, H. G. 

Pore, G. W. Whitmore, H. C. 

Hewett, S. K Hillsdale, Mich. 

Britton, M Saginaw, Mich. 

Birchfield, A. P Pittsburgh, Penn. 

McGrew, James ^ Kankakee, HI. 

Studebaker, David Decatur, Ind. 

Stage, M. R Knightstown, Ind. 

Garver, Isaac, Ney, Ind. 

Boothman, M. M Bryan, O. 

Sterling, T. J Grand Rapids, O. 

Cox, Joseph Glendale, 0. 

Patterson, Andrew Hamler, O. 

Bennett, O. L Fulton County, O. 

Taft, L. W Fulton County, 0. 

Milford, W. B Lucas County, O. 

Carroll, J. H Malinta, O. 



222 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Durbin, Thomas McClure 

Taylor, Andrew Oakwood 

VanTyne, W. 0.---- Oberlin 

Smith, J. H Ottawa 

Frease, George Okalona 

Carter, 8. S Ottokee 

Brady, Peter Payne 

Johnson, Col. Stephen G Piqua 

Stray er, Daniel Providence, Lucas County 

Washburn, Isaac Richfield, Lucas County 

Tubbs, W. B Tubbsville 

Shaw, John VanWert 

Farnsworth, W. W Waterville 

Noble, C. H Whitehouse 

Myers, J. K Ayersville 

Adams, A, W Bairdstown 

Howard, James W Winnemeg 

Miles, M. F West Millgrove 



Flowering Bulbs. 

We import Bulbous Roots direct from the most reliable growers in 
Holland, Japan and China, and they should not be confounded with those fre- 
quently sent to this market in "cases" on speculation. We should be happy 
to make judicious selections for parties unacquainted with the different varie- 
ties, if they will state, with orders, the number of bulbs required, and the 
average price. Our this year's importation of HyacintUs, XulipSt 
Crocus. I^arcissus, lollies and other Flower Bulbs, is the Finest 
and Largest ever made, and our customers and all lovers of Flowers in want of 
Choice Bulbs, are respectfully informed that they can be supplied at home by 
ns in every way as well, as cheaply and reliably, as by sending their orders t) 
Eastern and other far off dealers. 



Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, Crocus, 



Album, 

Aufatum, 

Atrosanguineum 

Candldum, 

Calia, 

Chinese Sacred, 

Harrisii, 

Longifiorum, 

Melpomene, 




•FN 



Rubrum. 



We also carry in 
stock other BULBS not 
mentioned here, and a 
lull line of 

Flower and Garden 

KftRflR ^ 

Also Garden Tools, and 
ask that you kindly call 
at our store or write us 
for price list. 



LILIUM HARRISI 



TheHenryPhllippsSeed&lmplementGo 

ns & 117 SU Clair Street, 
TOLEDO, OHIO. 






Goods Cheap. 



Addresses y Memorials and Sketcl^es 



PUBLISHED 
BY. . 




The Maumee VaUey Pioneer 




cAssociatioUy 



For the Thirty- Se<^enth Annual 
^e- Union, 

At T>e fiance, Ohio, oAugust 1 5 th, I go I. 



DEFIANCE, OHIO. 

Published by The Association, 
igoi. 



RECORD PRINTING CO,, DEFIANCE, OHIO 



THE fIR?T NJITIONII Ml 



OF DKFIANCE. OHIO. 



The Oldest Banking House in the Central Maumee 
Valley. Established J 859. 



Regulazly Examined by United States aAiitl^orities. 

CAPITAL, - $$75,000.00 
SURPLUS, - $ 40,000.00 " 

Receives money on open account subject to check. Also takes care 
of money and gives Certificate of Deposit for the same. 

A General Banking Business is Transacted. 

J. P. BlfFFINXxTOJ^, 
Druggist, 

DEFIANCE. OHIO, 

Continuously in business since 1853 ^s General Dealer in 

.^ PURE DRUGS. ^ 

Chemicals, Drugfgfists^ Sundries, Stationery and Fancy Articles. 




C. I. MORSE. President 

D. F. KROTZ. 
iSecretfu-y and Treas. 



The Defiance 

GrROCERY OoMPANY 

WHOLESALE GROCERS, 

Fruits, Cigars and Tobaccos. 

Cor. Fifth and Wayne Sts. DKFIAIVCE:, O. 



Addresses, Memorials and Sketcl^es 



PUBLISHED 
BY 



The Maumee Valley Pioneer 




oAssociation^ 

For the Thirty -Seventh Annual 
%e-Union, 

At ^Defiance, Ohio, ciAugiist l5ih, I go I. 



DEFIANCE, OHIO. 

Published by The Asscciation. 

igoi. 



OFFICERS FOR J 900-1 90 1. 

President: Paris H. Pray, Whitehouse. 

Vice Presidents: Luther Black, Bowling Green. 
Denison B. Smith, Toledo. 
John Adams, Findlay. 
Dr. Wii.i,iam Ramsey, Delta. 
Jonathan P. Buffington, Defiance. 

Secretary: John Lansing Pray, Toledo. 

Treasurer: Wii^IvIAm Cori^ett, Toledo. 

Executive Committee: Dr. Charles E. Slocum, Defiance. 
Hon. .William Handy, Ottawa. 
C. C. Young, Liberty Center. 
William Corlett, Toledo. 
F. A. Baldwin, Bowling Green. 

Conmiittee on Historic Places: Dr. CharlES E. Slocum, Defiance. 

Col. Robert S. Robertson, Ft. Wayne. 
Gen. J. K. Hamilton, Toledo. 

Committee on Relics and Depository: 

Dr. Charles E. Slocum, Defiance. 
Wm. Corlett, Toledo. 



Gift 
Author 

"1? D '05 



PREFACE. 

It has been published that the Thirty-seventh Annual 
Meetinor of The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association will 
be held at Detiance the 15th of August, instant. VVe thus 
learn that the Association was formed in the year 1864, dur- 
ing the great War of the Rebellion. It was a most com- 
mendable act for the older citizens of this historic valley to 
organize during that critical period of the Nation's history, 
for the purpose of promoting interest in the story of the past 
and thus foster true patriotism by deepening and widening 
the love for home by familiarizing all with the valiant deeds 
formerly enacted in this region for the establishment and 
maintenance oi our whole country. 

For thirty-three years the records of this Association 
were limited. For some years brief w^ritten accounts of the 
meetings are extant. For other years no records of meet- 
ings have been found. 

In the year 1897 the first Pamphlet, of the character of 
this one, was published. It was produced largely by the 
efforts of the Secretary and Treasurer who have since been 
the principal agents in fostering the annual publication. By 
this commend^ible acti(ni much regarding past and current 
events has been permanently recorded to be of inteiest and 
value, not only to present local readers but to future histori- 
cal writers. 

The editorship of the present Pamphlet has come to the 
writer of these forewords "at the last moment." He feels 
somewhat embarrassed by unpreparedness, by the shortness 
of time before the meeting of the Association when all copies 
of the Pamphlet nuist be ready for distribution, and by be- 
ing already overburdened with work. However, there is no' 
time to hesitate, and the writer never shirks what is pre- 
sented to him as his duty. Under these circumstances it is 
hoped that the editor will be justified in making this issue 
somewhat of a Defiance number while embracing everything 
received by him from other parts of the Valley in time for 
publication. 

That the publications of the future may far surpass this 
one, all persons are cordially invited to give assistance, by 
early sending the products of their pens, by contributing 
their wise counsels, and their money. C. E. S. 

Defiance, Ohio, 1 August, 1901. 




FORT WINCHESTER. 

Ruins of Eort Defiance on the point beyond. From personal interviews 

with persons who saw it, from studies, and from svirveys. 

By Dr. Chas. E. Slocum. 



The Origin, Description and Service of 
FORT WINCHESTER; 

"With Mention of Some of the Persons and Events Con- 
nected With It. 

By CHARLES E. SLOCUM, M. D., Ph. D,, 
Defiance, Ohio. 



Fi"om the earliest record until the building of the Miami 
;and Erie and the Wabash and Erie Canals along its course, 
the Maumee River was known to be a great thoroughfare; 
and we have good right to infer that the Aborigines, ^' from 
their first appearance in this region until historic times, made 
its shores and waters their principal course between the west- 
ern shores of Lake Erie and the Ohio River, both by way of 
the Miami River and the Wabash. 

The high point at the junction of the Auglaize River 
with the Maumee was recognized by General Anthony Wayne 
at first view, in ITO-i, as the proper place for Fort Defiance, 
a point wht3re he could safely bid defiance to all foes; and the 
usualh^ defiant Aborigines never seriously ventured for its 
capture. 

At the time of the first passing this way of the Ohio and 
United States tiX)ops, of the Army of the Northwest in the 
beginning of the War of 1812, this point was again fortified 
and, being situate midway in the Maumee Valley, it served as 
a most important jx)st for defense, for observation and for 
supplies. 

The Aborigines had long been troublesome to Americans 
settling in this Northwest country and, after the battle of 
Tippecanoe, Indiana, November 7, 1811, became still more 
active in their aggressiveness under the incitements of the 
British and the able Tecumseh, whose avowed design was to 

*The writer desires to discourage the use of the misnomer " Indians " to 
designate tlie American Aborigines. 



6. The Mauinee Valley Pioneer Association. 

drive out or exterminate those settlers. At the time of the- 
second war against Great Britain June 18, 1812, Fort Wayne 
was the only fortification on the Maumee River. This Fort 
had been seriously threatened by the Aborigines, but they 
were loth to assail it from without. Several ineffectual feints 
and subterfuges were made by them to peaceably get within 
its stockades and thus make its capture easier by surprising 
the garrison. These efforts failing, more active measures, 
were adopted, also without success. 

After the humiliating and disastrous surrender of 
Detroit by General William Hull, August 16, 1812, Fort 
Wayne was the onh^ fortification in and north of its latitude 
in the Northwest that was left to the United States. The 
British were anxious to add all this territory to their Cana- 
dian possessions, and expeditions against Fort Wayne were 
despatched from Canada for this purpose. Reports of these 
plans with details were communicated to the Fort by a 
friendly Frenchman, and from there were transmitted to 
General William H. Harrison who received them at Piqua 
September 6, 1812. With his characteristic decision and en- 
ergy he at once ordered his command forward to the relief of 
that garrison of seventy or eighty men. This relieving army 
was reinforced at St. Marys and Shane's Crossing until it 
numbered about three thousand and five hundred troops. 
They arrived at Fort Wayne Saturday morning, September 
19th, having advanced with great caution and with but little 
advance-line skirmishing with the enemy, to the great joy of 
the garrison which had lost three men during the siege. The 
enemy investing the Fort, principally Aborigines estimated 
at about 1,500 in number, prudently retired on the approach 
of the arm3^ Troops were sent in different directions to dis- 
lodge the foe from camps and villages; and lurking places 
within a long i*ange of the Fort were cleared away. 

September 19th General Winchester arrived at Fort 
Wayne to take command of the entire army. James Win- 
chester was born at White Level (now Westminster), Mary- 
land, 6 February, 1Y52. He was appointed a Lieutenant in 
the Third Maryland Regiment 27 May, 1778, and served in 
the Continental Army until captured by the British some 
time later. He was exchanged 22 December, 1780. Soon 



Fort Wi7ichester. y 



thereafter be removed to Sumner County, Tennessee, where 
he married. He there attained to a good property, and 
maintained a liberal establishment on a large estate. He was 
commissioned Brigadier General in the United States Army 
27 March, 1812. After the surrender of General Hull Gen- 
eral Winchester was directed by the Secretar}^ of War to 
take charge of the Army of the Northwest. With com- 
mendable promptitude he started northward. Upon entering 
Ohio he wrote a letter to the Governor, of which the follow- 
ing is a cop3^: 

Cincinnati, 9th September, 1812. 
Sir: — I am thus far on my way to assume the command of the army 
on your Northwestern frontier. I shall leave this place tomorrow for 
Piqua, where I shall be extremely glad to see you, in order to consult 
with you relative to the best possible means of protecting the exposed 
frontier of the State of Ohio, without losing sight, at the same time, of 
Upper Canada. I am authorized by the Secretary of War to call on your 
excellency for reinforcements of militia. On this subject, also, a per- 
sonal interview is desirable. 

Should it, however, be inconvenient to you, sir, to meet me at Piqua, 
or at some other place on my route, you will be good enough to conunu- 
nicate to me in writing your ideas on the subject of the protection of 
yoiir frontier inhabitants, as well g^g the extent of militia you can furnish 
upon my requisition. 

I have the honor to be, with high consideration, 
Your obedient servant, 

J. Winchester, 

Brigadier General U. S. Army. 
To His Excellency R. J. Meigs, Governor of the State of Ohio. 

General Winchester proceeded northward with a small 
detachment of troops, and followed in the trail of the relief 
army to Fort Wayne. He was received by General Harrison 
with due deference, and the command of the army was at 
once given over to him. This act of General Harrison was a 
complete exhibition of the ready obedience of the true 
soldier to his superior officer under very trying conditions. 
He had been an efficient aid to General Wayne in his success- 
es against the Aborigines in the Northwest Territory; later, 
he served as Secretary of the Territory; and he had held the 
office of the first Governor of Indiana Territory, and Super- 
intendent of the Affairs of the Aborigines during the last 
eleven vears. No man knew this frontier region and the 



8' The Mauntee Valley Pioneer Association^ 



Aborigines better than he from long personal experiences 
He had met the different tribes in thirteen important treaties 
and they, so far as in them lay, acknowledged his ability and 
his fairness. He had found it necessary to administer to 
them a severe chastisement in the Battle of Tippecanoe. The 
soldiers of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky knew his wisdom and 
his bravery and they had entire confidence in him and wanted 
him as their commander. The Governors of Ohio and Ken- 
tucky were of like mind and had commissioned him accord- 
ingly, Governor Scott's commission being as Major General, 
brevet, of Kentucky troops. Notwithstanding all this Gen- 
eral Harrison at once accepted as his linking officer a sti*ang- 
er to the soldiers, to the wilderness country, to the ways of 
the Aborigines and to the condition of affairs. He did this 
September 19th and immediately, upon issuing such orders to 
the troops, started on his return to Piqua to take charge of 
the forces being there collected to i*einforce the desired expe- 
dition for the i*ecapture of Detroit. September 5th Govern- 
or Isaac Shelby of Kentucky addressed a letter to William 
Eustis, Secretary of War, suggesting a Board of War for 
this western country, also reccommending General Harrison 
as commander-in-chief, and referring to the evils that, would 
result from his continuing General Winchester in command. 
Mr. Eustis replied under date of IT September, favoring* 
these siiggestions, and stating that General Harrison would 
at once be given chief command accordingly. This was two 
days before General Harrison gave over the command to 
General Winchester and left Fort Wayne, but neither of 
them were apprised of the fact for some length of time. The 
soldiers were displeased at the loss of their former com- 
mander, but no serious outbreak was then threatened. 

General Winchester encamped the troops at the junction 
of the Rivers St. Joseph and St. Mary, across the Maumee 
from Fort Wayne, and dispatched the following letter: 

Headquarters, Fort Wayne, 22nd September, 1812. 
Sir: — I had the honor last night of receiving your excellency's des- 
patch of the i6th instam, covering a communication from General 
Wadsworth, for which I beg you will accept my sincere thanks. With 
you, I rejoice at the prospect of regaining lost territory, and at the de- 
termination of the President on a vigorous course of measures; and I still 
hope to winter in Detroit or its vicinity the ensuing season. 



Fort Winchester. 



To enable me, in part, to effect this purpose, I avail myself of the 
authority given me by the Secretary of War, to call upon your excellency 
for such reinforcements as I may deem necessary. You will please to 
furnish two regiments of infantry to join me at the Rapids of the Miami 
of the Lake [Mauniee], about the loth or 15th of October next, well 
clothed for a fall campaign. Arms and ammunition can be drawn from 
2'Tewport, Kentucky. It is extremely desirious to me that no time may 
be lost in supplying this requisition. The cold season is fast approach- 
ing, and the stain on the American character at Detroit not yet wiped 
away. 

If you could furnish one rcc;i::ient to rendezvous at Piqua, and pro- 
ceed to open and improve the road, by causeways, etc., to Defiance, it 
would greatly facilitate the ti'ansportation of supplies to this army, 
which is imperatively requisite to its welfare. This latter regiment 
might then return, or proceed on after the atiiiy, as circumstances should 
dictate. I have the honor to be, with high respect. 

Your obedient servant, 

J. Winchester, 

Brig. Gen. U. S. Army. 

To His Excellency Return J. Meigs, Governor of the State of Ohio. 

On this same day, the soldiers to accompany him, about 
two thousand in nmuber, having been equipped for the 
march, he started down the north bank of the Manmec 
River along the route of approach of (xeneral Anthony 
W'ayne eightetu years before, after issuing the following: 

GENERAL ORDERS. 
Camp Forks oE the Maumee, 22nd September, 1812. 
Order of March: 

The front guard in three lines, two deep in the road, and in Indian 
files on the flanks at distances of fifty and one hundred yards, as the 
ground will admit. A fatigue party to consist of one captain, one en- 
sign, two sergeants, and two corporals, with fifty men, will follow the 
front guard for the purpose of opening the road. The remainder of the 
infantry to march on the flanks in the following order: Colonels Wells 
and Allen's regiments on the right, and Lewis and Scott's on the left. 
The general and brigade baggage, commissaries and quartermasters' 
stores, immediately in the rear of the fatigue party. The cavalry in the 
following order: Captain Garrard and twenty of his men to precede the 
guard in front, and equally divided at the head of each line; a lieuten- 
ant and eighteen men in the rear of the whole army and baggage; the 
balance of the cavalry equally divided on the flanks or the flank lines. 
The regimental baggage wagons will fall according to the respective 
ranks of their commanding ofiicers. The oflicers commanding corps 
previous to their marching will examine carefully the arms and ammu- 
nition of their respective corps, and see that the}^ are in good order. 
They will also be particularly careful, that the men do not waste their 



10. The MaiLTuee Valley Pioneer Association. 

cartridges. No loaded muskets are to be piii in the wagons. One half 
of the fatigue part}^ is to work at a time, iind tlie others will carry their 
arms. The wagon master will attend to loading the wagons, and see 
that the various articles are put in, in good order, and that each wagon 
and team carry a reasonable load. The hour of march will be 9 o'clock 
this morning. The officer of the day is charged with this order. The 
line of battle will be the same as that of ( General Harrison in his last 
march to Fort Wayne. J. Winchester, 

I f^fig. Gen. Commanding. 

These precautions were well taken, as bodies of Ab- 
origines were several times encountered and dispersed with 
loss on both sides. They were not only those who had been 
surroundinof Fort Wayne, but, also the advance lines of an 
army marching against Fort Wayne, composed of two hun- 
dred British Regular troops and Canadian militia, with 
artiller\ , under Major Muir, and one thousand or more 
Aborigines under the notorious Colonel Elliott. A report 
received at Piqua, that this army was about to start from 
Maiden, Canada, decided Grenera Harrison to hasten to the 
protection of Fort Wayne. These forces had brought their 
artillery and other heavier equipment by boats as far as the- 
ruins of Fort Defiance, and continued up the south bank of 
the Maumee E,iver on foot They had advanced about 
twelve miles above Fort Defiance when their spies captured, 
and took before Major Muir, vSergeant M'Coy one of 
Oeneral Winchester's spies who exagerated the strength of 
the American Army, and reported that it was soon to be re- 
inforced by like numbers under C<> onel Jennings, coming 
down the Auglaize River, which \V(Mild cut oft' the retreat of 
the British. This report being soon corroborated, in part at 
least, by the British spies and his defeated advance lines, in- 
fluenced Major Muir to at once (u*c!er a retreat down the 
Maumee River, which was hastened on learning further that 
many of his Aboriginal allies had deserted his force. To 
facilitate the speed of their boat^ \\\k- British threw into the 
river one cannon, at least, with par! of their heavy ammu- 
nition. This crnnon and ammuniti<ni were thrown into deep 
water of the Maumee nearly opposite the niouth of Shawnee 
Glen, about one-half mile below Fort Defiance point; and 
they were removed from the watei- and used by the advanc- 
ing Americans. General Wineliester advanced carefully, 



Fori Winchester. 



II 



and fearing that the enemy woukl oppose his crossing Tiffin 
River, he crossed to tlie south side of the Maaniee four and 
a half miles above the 'I'iltin, and about six miles above the 
mouth of the Auglaize. Here he struck the trail of the re- 
trealing eneiny, with ti'ucks of their artillery, but his spies 




PREHISTORIC AMP EARLY H15T0KrC pi.ACE,&\ 

Expldndltor25 

Savafes Eepres&rit Scjvarc MileS 

-7bwnsh.ip Liries 

Dgfianca Crtv Litniis 

A. Five preKisteric Burial Mounds 

B.TJirca LSter Aboi-l<ylnal Bvrldl places 

CTivo AboriOiraal Corn pi elds 

D-ftv* Apple Orcharas planted h^ ^'W<l.taA\^ franck 

E.Two Shawnae VilU<Jes ia 1792. 

f. Nine. Earlier and Liter Aboriijinal Villa(^i.and 

Campino Siics 
©.Aborlcjmal Council Oak . CuT Pown AbocTt" 1665 
G. General Wayae's fort Defiance . 1794 , Au^uif 3ltl- 
No.l,NoZ.No3.H,J, General WincheiTerJ five Ciimpin,^ Sites, 18l2 
K.Geraeral WincKester'9 Abiilts,181Z 
L.port Winchester, 1812. 



did not readily learn their location. Four niounted squads 
were despatched in different directions, one to notify General 
Harrison of the enemy ^ and the others to determine the 
enemy's whereabouts. These parties soon reported that the 
opposing force had lied many miles down the river, leaving 
some Aborigines on horses to watch the movements of the 
Americans, General Winchester advanced and, ISeptember 
30th, fortified a camp. Camp No. 1, on the high south bank 
of the Maumee River a I out one and a half miles above Fort 
Defiance, and opposite the mouth of Tiffin River. The 
brush had grown so thicU and high since General Wayne's 
clearins: here eighteen vears before, that it entailed much 



J[2 The Mau7nee Valley Pioneer Associaiwn. 



labor to clear the desired ground across to the Auglaize 
River and to Fort Defiance point . 

General Harrison received his commission of appoint- 
ment to succeed General Winchester September 24th, while 
at Piqua. On the 30th General Winchester's despatch re- 
garding the enemy was received; and within a few minutes 
a letter w^as received from Governor Meigs also informing 
him of the strong Biitish forces opposing General Win- 
chester. There were at this time about three thousand 
troops at St, Marys, and General Harrison at once started 
for that place, and upon his arrival there immediately 
started the army toward Defiance, notwithstanding the 
drenching rain. On the morning of October 2nd . a mess- 
enger met him from General Winchester bearing the news 
that the enemy had retreated. Nearly all the troops were, 
therefore, ordered to return, and Colonel Pogue's regiment 
was directed to open a roadway through the forest from 
Fort Jennings to Defiance. General Harrison continued 
forward with a small force, and with some pack-horse loads 
of supplies, arriving at General Winchester's camp in the 
-evening of October 2nd. Here he found a sad state of 
affairs. Uhe food supplies had become very short, and the 
men were suffering from insufficient clothing. They had 
not been favorably impressed by their General, they had be 
come dishartened, had murmured, and were talking about 
returning to their homes, which they would probably have 
done but for the efforts of Major Hardin and Colonel Allen. 
The supplies brought by General Harrison gave them a 
better breakfast, and his presence brought new cheer. The 
^rmy was paraded and there was read the following: 
GENERAL ORDERS. 

Camp at Defiance, Oct. 3, 181 2. 
1 have the honor of announcing to this army the arrival of General 
Harrison who is duly authorized by the executive of the Federal 
Government to take command of the Northwestern Army. This 
■officer is enjoying the implicit confidence of the States from whose 
•citizens this army is and will be collected, and possessing himself, 
great military skill and reputation, the General is confident in the be- 
lief that his presence in the army, in the character of its chief, will be 
hailed with unusual approbation. 

J. Winchester, 

Brig. General U. S. Army 



Fort Winchester, /j* 



Major Hardin and Colonel Allen addressed the arn\y "in 
veiy aflecting- terms," and General Harrison " spoke to them 
as a father would to his children," (Atherton). The arri- 
vals and the addresses renewed the spirits of the soldiers, and 
the imparting of the fact that General Harrison had been ap- 
pointed chief in command went still further to change the re- 
solves of the disaffected ones, and bring about a settled state 
of feeling among all the men to endure all hardships. 

New plans were entered upon. They found General 
Wayne's Fort Defiance in ruins; and had it remained in good 
condition its small size would have been inadequate for the 
demands at this time. Fort Defiance included within its 
stockades scarcely 10,000 square feet, or less than one-quar- 
ter acre of ground. General Harrison selected a site for a 
new Fort to embrace over twelve times this area. A fatigue 
force of two hundred and fifty men as was detailed under 
Major Joseph Robb with axes to cut timber for the buildings 
and stockades, and the work went forward as fast as the 
weakened condition of the men and the weather admitted. 
The camp was removed from the right high bank of the Mau- 
mee River, Camp No. 1. one mile southeast to Gamp No. 2, 
on the high left bank of the Auglaize River about one and a 
half miles above its mouth, occupying the ground that is now 
the old part of Riverside cemetery. A line of trees was 
felled across this neck of land between the new camp and 
the former one, to serve as an abatis, and breastworks for 
the army's outpost guarding the entire peninsula between the 
rivers. General Harrison, accompanied by Colonel Richard 
M, Johnson and his original battalion, returned to St. Mary;^ 
where these troops were honorabl}^ discharged September 7th. 
their term of enlistment having expired. 

The feelings of General Winchester upon being suc- 
ceeded in command, have not been fully recorded. General 
Harrison treated him with great consideration, assigning him 
to the command of the Left Wing of the Army, to include 
the U. S. Regular soldiers and some six regiments of Ohio 
and Kentucky militia. As further evidence of respect and 
honor, the new fort was duly christened Fort Winchester. 
This Fort was completed by the soldiers working with short 
rations, thinly clad, and with much suffering from inclement 



/'Z The ATaimiee Va-lley.' Pioneer AssociatioTT^ 

weather; but it was favorably started on its mission as an im- 
portant strong-hold for the defense of the territory of the 
upper riverSy as a rendezvous foi" troops and^ later, for the 
storing of supplies to be boated down the Maumee Riveras 
wanted by the advancing troops. For some length of time 
it was the only obstruction to the British and the Aborigines 
against their incursions into northwestern Ohio. From the 
time of its establishment the Aborigines made wide detours 
from the guns of its garrison, thus being forced to a disadvan- 
tage on their way to Maiden, Detroit,. and the siege of Fort 
Meigs the following year. 

Fort Winchester was styled a "beautiful fort" by Wilh 
iam Atherfcon who was present during its coastruction. 

It was built alang the higher and precipitous west bank, 
of the Auglaize River, a line of apple trees, planted by the 
early French settlers, alone intervening. Beginning about 
eighty yards south of the ruins of Fort Defiance, near the 
present First Street of the City of Defiance, Ohio, the Fort 
extended southward to, or south of, Third Street, a, distance 
of something over 600 hundred feet, and including the high- 
est ground. Its east line was about Washington Street. It 
was in the form of a parallelogram, and extended in width to 
about Jefferson Street. Its walls included three acr es or 
more of land. There was a strong* two-story blockhouse at 
each of its four corners, a large gate midwajr of each side 
and end with a sentinel house above each one^ and all were 
connected by a strong stockade of timbei-s set on end deep 
into the ground snug together, and extending twelve to 
fifteen feet above ground, all pointed at the upper ends. A 
cellar was excavated under the blockhouse at the northeast 
corner, and from it a passage way under ground was made to 
the rock-bed of the river and was there protected by timbers 
so that abundance of water could be obtained from the river 
under cover. The only ditching done was for drainage. 

Before the departure of Gen. Harrison he suggested that 
Gen, Tupper, with aU the mounted men, about eight hundred 
in nmnber, be sent down the Maumee to the Grand Rapids.. 
He also suggested ithat two regiments of infantry be sent 
southward to be near the base of food and clothing supplies. 
Ambuscades by the Aborigines, and insubordination of Gen- 



1^0 r't Winchester. /J 



eral Tapper followed the departure of the Comraander-in- 
•Chief. Short rations were still necessary. Five soldiers 
who had strayed somewhat from their duty to gather wild 
plums were killed and scalped. Aborigines also lired on the 
soldiers on the opposite bank of the river from the Gamp No. 
2, killing one. This caused an alarm-eall to arms, but the 
enemy escaped punishm nt. Scouting parties met the Abori- 
gines and suffered wounds, and an occasional death. Gener- 
al Tupper was ordered to proceed down the river with the 
cavalry, but he refused to obey; finally he started for Fort 
M' Arthur, from which place he marched to the Eapids in No- 
vember, mention of which unwise movement will be made 
later in this article. Charges were preferred against General 
Tupper by General Winchester. General Harrison ordered 
his arrest, but the trial did not occur until the next year. 
after the defeat at the E-aisin River when the witnesses were 
captives with the British, and he was acquitted. The time of 
enlistment of two or three companies of Riflemen having ex- 
pired, they were discharged and returned to their homes. 
Comparative quiet now reigned in the camp, and some care- 
lessness regarding discipline was noted. On the 8th of Octo- 
ber — -, a young man, was found asleep while 

posted aSi guaM: He' was 'sentenced by court martial to be 
shot. A platoon was ordered to take places before the 
paraded army and facing the prisioner who, blindfolded, was 
on his knees preparing for the order to fire. A great still- 
ness prevaded the army. Just as the suspense was at its 
height a courier arrived with an order from the General 
changing the sentence. (Atherton, an eye witness). This 
sentence of death produced a profound effect upon the sold- 
iers. It was their first real view of the sternness of military 
■discipline; and they recognized its necessity and justness 
while in the country of the stealthy and saVa^e enenl3^ 
Later, as the Aborigines became less annoying, hutiting for 
wild game was permitted, and soon evervthiiig was Idlled, 
not even a squirrel could be found in the vicinity of the camp. 
Fort Winchester was completed October 15, 1812, as 
shown by the following letter: 

Camp Defiance, Mouth of the Auglaize, 15th October, 1812, 
Sir: — Captain Wood, commanding a small party of spies, came into 



r6 The Maurnee Valley Pioneer Associafion. 

camp yesterday, and reports that he was detached from Urbana to visit 
the Rapids, etc. ; that he fell in with other spies who had just returned' 
from that place, and had obtained all the information that he possibly 
could. I therefore have directed him to return and report, deeming it 
unnecessary that he should proceed, as the information required had been 
obtained, and being desirous, too, to communicate to your excellency 
that this army could immediately march and take possession of the 
Rapids, if supplies of provision?, etc., could certainly reach us in a few 
daj^s after our arrival. Many days provisions could not be carried with 
us, because it is not here. Neither have we the means of transportation, 
and it is important that the corn at that place should be saved if it could 
be done. 

At this place a picketed post with four block houses, two storehouses 
and a house for the sick, will be finished- this day. Then I shall turn my 
attention to building pirogues for the purpose of transporting heavy bag- 
gage and provisions down the river, and anxiously wait your answer with 
relation to supplies. I shall remain in readiness to march as soon as it is 
received. 

If General Harrison is at Urbana, you will communicate the contents 
of this letter to him. If I knew where he could be found, I should ad- 
dress a letter to him on the subject. 

I have the honor to be, with great respect. 

Your Excellency's obedient servant, 
J. Winchester, 

Brig. General U. Sv Army. 

To His Excellency Return J. Meigs, Urbana. 

Soon after the completion of Fort VVinche&ter, and the 
eboo&ing of a garrison for it, the main army established a 
camp, designated on the writer'& map as- Camp H^ on level 
ground protected from west and north winds, on the north 
bank of the Maiimee River one mile and a half l>elow the 
mouth of the Auglaize, on the present Evans' and Thomas 
Elliott's flats. With continued short rations, delay in re- 
ceipt of winter clothing and the increasing severity of the 
weather, the sufferings and sickness of the soldiers were in- 
creasing, and this change of camp was made for sanitary 
reasons- and that they might be more convenient to abund- 
ance of fuel. The location of Camp H proving too wet, the 
army soon took up dryer quarters two miles further down 
the river about one-half mile above the present river dam. 
This Camp J soon showing unfavorable features, still another 
site, Camp No. 3, was chosen nearly two miles below Camp 
J, on the land known in later years as the Samuel Kohn 
farm, where the site proved favorable, with abundance of 



Fort Winchester. // 



good firewood and where the army remained about eight 
weeks. These five camps of General VVinchester's army- 
witnessed as much suii'ering as an army is capnble of en- 
during. Hunger impelled many breaches of discipline. 
Soldiers wandered from camp, against orders, in search of 
game and wild fruit One man started to desert. He was 
caught and sentenced 'to ride the wooden horse before the 
whole army." This consiste 1 in his being placed as ride a 
bent sapling and being thereby subjected to a series of toss- 
ings and joltings, to the great amusement of the soldiers. 
It was found necessary to punish other breaches of discipline; 
and that we may get glimpses of the life and experiences of 
Fort Winchester and its camps, including sentences, there is 
here given a copy of 

SPECIAL ORDERS. 

Camp Winchester, 28 October, r8i2. 

, private in Captain Croghan's Company, charged with 

sitting down near his post, apparently asleep, with his gun out of his 
hands, last night, October 2.5th, 1812, found guilty, and sentenced to re- 
ceive ten cobs on his bare posterior, well laid on, with a paddle four 
inches wide and one-half an inch thick, bored full of holes. 

, charged with altering his uniform without leave, 

sentenced to a reprimand on parade. 

J. Winchester, Brig. Gen. 

Sickness increased The rations were constantly shorty 
and often for many days consisted solely of beef without 
salt, and hickory nuts. The beef was of very poor quality, 
the cattle being greatly reduced, like the soldiers, from 
want of food, and the cold. To cheer the discouraged army 
by renewing hope, there were issued the following 

GENERAL ORDERS. 

Fort Winchester, November r, 1812. 

With great pleasure the General announces to the army the prospect 
of an early supply of winter clothing, amongst which are the following 
articles, shipped from Philadelphia on the 9th September last: 10,000 
pairs of shoes, 5000 blankets, 5000 round jackets, 5000 pairs pantaloons, 
woolen cloth to be made up, besides the underclothing for Colonel Wells'- 
regiment, 100 watch coats, 5000 blankets, and 10,000 yards of flannel, 
10,000 pair shoes, 10,000 pairs wool socks, 10,000 of wool hose 

This bountiful supply evinces the constant attention of the govern., 
ment to the comforts of its armies although the immense distance this 
wing hath been detached into the wilderness, has prevented its receiving- 
those comforts in due season, owing to causes not within the control of 



22 The Maumee Vallev Pconeer Assaciation: 

points. It wa& at this time, and on this service down the 
river^ that the favorite Aboriginal spy, '"'Captain" Logan^ 
received a wound from the enemy and returned to Camp No. 
3 to die, lamented by the entire army. It was^ also during 
these trying times that tbe noted spy Kiddle, or A. Ruddle,, 
a man past middle life, did his. greatest service and endeared 
himself to General Winchester^b command. 

December 22nd flour and other supplies were received 
at Fort Winchester and its Camp No. 3, with the most wel- 
come intelligence that a constant supply would follow.. 
Preparations were at once made for the advance. Guards 
were assigned to protect and attend the sick, and on the 30th 
December the march for the Rapids was commenced to the 
great joy of the tr< ops who were anxious to leiive the scenes- 
of such great and continued sufferings, and so many deaths 
from disease. Report was made of this movement in good 
time to General Harrison who advised rather, that most of 
the force be sent up the Auglaize River to Fort Jennings on 
account of Tecumseh's renewed activity and the question of 
supplies at the Rapids. Had this recommendation to Gen- 
eral Winchester been accepted, the great massacre that re- 
sulted from his course would not have occurred. He pro- 
ceeded slowly and uuder great difficulties. In addition to 
the great weakness, and insufficient clothing, of the men, a 
deep snow had fallen and through it, which was at iirst wet 
and afterwards partly frozen, the soldiers were obliged to 
haul their food supplies and the army baggage on sleds^ 
which they bad made after the river closed with ice. In 
crossing the gullies, ravines and creeks, their clothing, pro- 
visions and equipment became thoroughly wet, and there 
was intense suffering before camp grounds could be cleared 
and fires lighted by the uncertain and slow process of sparks 
from flint and iron with wet wood. But the greatest suffer- 
ing was at night. About eleven days were occupied in 
marching forty miles, when on January 10th, 1813, this * 
army of near one thousand men arrived at Presqu'ile Hill 
on the south side of General Wayne's battle field of Fallen 
Timber. Here a camp was fortified to some extent and a 
store house for provisions and baggage was built within the 
camp. (Fort Deposit No. 2). Some ungathered corn was 



Fort Winchester. 2^ 



I 



found, hastily boiled whole and great'y relished by the still 
hungry troops. The receipt here of additional supplies, in- 
cluding some clothing from their homes, rapidly revived 
the troops. 

General Payne, with six hundred and seventy men, had 
f arly been sent forward to rout a gathering of Aborigines 
huddled in an old stockade post on the south bank, and near 
the mouth of Swan Creek, Other bodies of savages were re- 
pulsed. The easy occupation of the Rapids and lower Mau- 
mee was reassuring to the officers and to the ranks; and this 
had much influence in inducing the unadvised and unwise ad- 
vance to the River Raisin, In compliance with the requests 
for protection received from Frenchtown (now Monroe, 
Michigan), Colonel Lewis was despatched with five hundred 
and fifty men January 17th, and a few hours later Colonel 
Allen fwUowed with a force of one hundi ed and ten under 
the following 

GENERAL ORDERS, 
Camp Miami [Maumee] Rapids, HuIvIv's Road, January 17, 1812. 
As ordered yesterday, the line of march shall be kept well closed, 
every officer in his proper place, and no non-commissioned officer or pri- 
vate suffered to straggle from the lines except from urgent necessitj^, and 
then with leave to return to his place. Perfect silence is enjoined during 
the march, being in the immediate neighborhood of the enemy.. 

J, Winchester, Brig.. General, 

Commanding Left Wing N. W. Army. 

The sending of these small forces near Maiden, the head- 
quarters of the enemy, without the knowledge and order of 
General Harrison, was the second of a series of grave errors 
on the part of General Winchester which were soon to work 
the destruction of his army and to obscure, at least, what 
little honor was attached to him. Colonels Lewis and Allen 
engaged the enenw near Frenchtown and defeated them, 
driving them beyond the Raisin River. They then despatch- 
ed for reinforcements and began preparations for defense 
against oncoming sujDerior numbers. General Winchester, 
on learning of the success of his Colonels, left a guard for 
the storehouse and started on January 19th with two hundred 
and fifty nine soldiers. He arrived in Frenchtown in the 
afternoon of the next day. There all his former thoughtful- 



20. The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

adopted. I would place fifteen hundred men in cantonment 
at the Miami [Maumee] Rapids — Defiance would be better if 
the troops had not advanced from there — * "" "'. " 

In a letter to James Monroe then acting Secretary of 
War, January 3, 1813, General Harrison writes further, in 
part as follows: 

t<* * * * You (Jo me justice in believing that my 
exertions have been unremitted, and I am sensible of the 
commission of one error only, that has injuriously affected 
our interests; and that is in retaining- too large a force at 
Defiance [Fort Winchester]. The disadvantages attending it 
were however seen at the period of my committing the man- 
agement of that wing to General Winchester. Possessing a 
superior rank in the line of the army to that which was 
tendered to me, I considered him rather in the light of an as- 
sociate in command than an inferior. I therefore recom- 
mended to him, instead of ordering it, to send back two regi- 
ments within the bounds of White's contract. Had this 
measure been pursued, there would have been at Fort Win- 
chester 100,000 rations more than there is at present. The 
General who possesses the most estimable qualities of the 
head and heart, was deceived as I was, with regard to the 
period when the army could advance, and he did not think 
that the reduction of issues would be so important as it is 
now ascertained it would have been. * * * * " 

It had constantl}^ been the hopes, and the expectations, 
of the officers that conditions would soon be favorable 
for advance movement to the Rapids, and to Detroit. But 
the non-receipt of supplies, clothing and food particularly, 
and the severe sickness, had occasioned delays. 

General Tupper sent spies to the Maumee Rapids from 
Fort M' Arthur, and they soon returned with a prisoner, one 
Captain Clark of the British forces, who was captured a 
short distance from his command at the foot of the Rapids 
where they had come in boats for corn. General Tupper re- 
ported to Governor Meigs November 9th that he had decided 
to capture the British or drive them from the Rapids and 
save the corn. He wrote: 

"* * * * A moment is not to be lost. We shall be 
at the Rapids in three days. I have also sent an express 



Pvr't Winchester. 



21 



to General Winchester, advising him of the situation of the 
enemy, and of our march; but as we can reach the Rapids 
one day sooner than General Winchester waiting for my ex- 
press, I could not think of losing one day, and thereby 
«ufl'er the enemy to escape with the forage. * * *" 

General Tupper details the condition of the forces and 
the operations at Maiden, the British headquarters, now 
Amherstburg, Canada, and to some extent at Detroit, as ob- 
tained from Captain Clark, and adds: 

" * * * They [The British at Maiden] are apprised 
of General Winchester's force, but understand he is build- 
ing a fort at Defiance, and is to remain there during the 
winter. They have no knowledge of any other preparations 
making in the State of Ohio. * * * * " 

General Tupper proceeded on his march with six hun- 
dred and fifty men, and November 15th an express arrived 
at Fort Winchester from him then at the foot of the Kapids, 
desiring reinforcements there. A detachment of four hund- 
red and fifty men under Colonel Lewis started that morning, 
rhey proceeded down the river until 9 o'clock that night, 
when Ensign C. S. Todd was sent forward with a few of the 
hardier soldiers to determine the position and condition of 
Tupper's command. They returned with the news that 
Tupper had retreated, leaving behind a sick comrade whom 
the Aborigines had killed ard scalped. Colonel Lewis' fa- 
tigued command had remained, meantime, ready for im- 
mediate advancement, without fire and snugged together to 
prevent freezing. They tediously retraced their steps to 
Camp No 3, being constantly on the alert to prevent being 
surprised by the enemy, and with much of censure for Gen- 
eral Tupper that he did not notify them of his retreat 

The latter part of November heavy rains were ex- 
perienced and, the prospects being no better for the army's 
advancing, the soldiers were ordered, about the first of De- 
cember, to build huts for their better protection from the 
elements. Military vigilance was maintained as fully as 
practicable against being surprised by the savages. Re- 
connoitering parties kept the immediate country under sur- 
veillance, and spies were often despatched to more distant 



1 8 The Maumee Valley Piojieer Association. 



human foresight, yet a few days and the General consoles himself with 
the idea of seeing those whom he has the honor to command clad in 
warm woolen capable of resisting the northern blasts of Canada, either 
from the bellows of Boreas, or the muzzles of British cannon. 

J. Winchester, Brig. Gen., 
Commanding L,eft Wing N. W. Army 

These promised supplies of clothing came not to this 
Fort, nor its camp. Sickness found the weakened and 
shivering soldiers an easy prey. Typhoid fever prevailed. 
The sick list increased to over three hundred, with often 
three or four deaths a day. So many daily funereal rites had 
most depressing effects. Everything conspired against 
proper camp sanitation; and probably the efforts to main- 
tain a good sanitary regimen were not so thorough as in 
later times; certainly the means were not so ample as now. 
Many of the men were still wearing the linen hunting shirts 
in which they left their homes on the I'^th of August; and 
these were in rags from n arching through brush, and from 
natural wear. "Many were so emirely des itute of shoes 
and other clothing that they must have frozen if they had 
been obliged to march any distance." (M'4fee). In fact 
the story of Fort Winchester and its Camps is altogether the 
saddest that the history of the Maumee Valley has recorded; 
and these sufferings were probably the greatest of their kind 
that American soldiers have endured. The difficulties of 
transportation through this "Black Swiimp" region accounts 
in most part for these privations and sufferings. Much of 
the time it was impossible to move a wagon through the 
mud, even without a load; it would mire and become com- 
pletely blocked Pack horses were brought into requisition, 
but many horses and packs were lost from the thoughtless, 
careless and sometimes dishonest, drivers; the depth of the 
mud; the want of food for the horses; and the wet, cold 
weather. The provisions that were bro ight to camp were 
often in spoiled condition. The following account by Cap- 
tain Robert M'Afee, who was with the army, illustrates the 
clifficulies attending the efforts to transport supplies to this 
army by water: 

" About the first of December [1812] Major Bodley, an 
enterprising officer, who was quartermaster of the Kentucky 



Fort Winchesier. /^ 



troops made an attempt to send near two hundred barrels of 
flour down the St. Mary in piroo'ues to the left wing- below 
Defiance. Previous to this time the water had rarely been 
high enough to venture in a voyage on those small streams. 
The flour was now shipped in fifteen or twenty pirogues and 
canoes, and placed under the command of Captain Jordan and 
Lieutenant Cardwell, with upwards of twent\^ men. They 
descended the river and arrived about a week afterward at 
Shane's Crossing, upwards of one hundred miles by water^ 
but only twenty by land from the place where they started. 
The river was so narrow, crooked, full of logs, and trees 
overhanging the banks, that it was with great difficulty they 
could make any progress. And now in one freezing night 
they were completely ice-bound. Lieutant Cardwell waded 
back through the ice and swamps to Fort Barbee with intelli- 
gence of their situation. Major Bodley returned with him 
to the flour, and offered the men extra wages to cut through 
the ice and push forwards; but having gained only one mile 
by two day's labor, ih^ project was abandoned, and a guard 
left with the flour. A few days before Christmas a tempor- 
ary thaw took place which enabled them with mach difficulty 
and sufl'ering to reach within a few miles of Fort Wayne,, 
where they were again frozen up. They now abandoned the 
voj^age and made sleds on which the men hauled the flour to^ 
the Fort [Wayne] and left it there." 

General Harrison kept informed of the condition of af- 
fairs and put forth great efforts to prevent, and to remedy,, 
evils. In his letter to the Secretary of War December 12th, 
he used the following emphatic language: 

"* * """ " Obstacles are almost insuperable; but 
they are opposed with unabated firmness and zeal. ''' " * 
I fear that the expenses of this army will greatly exceed the 
calculations of the government. The prodigious destruction 
of hoi*ses can only be conceived by those who have been ac- 
customed to militarj^ operations in the wilderness during the 
winter season. *%«■** j ^^^ ^^^^ make sufficient al- 
lowance for the imbecility and inexperience of the public 
agents, and the villiany of the contractors. * * * * if 
the plan of acquiring the naval superiority upon the lakes, 
before the attempt is made on Maiden or Detroit, should be 



24 The Maimiee Valley Pioneer Association. 



ness and care for his men seemed to foi*sake him. He estab^ 
lished headquartere in the comfortable residence of Francia 
Navarr& on the south side of the river and a long- distance 
from his forces. The following day he was informed that a 
large force of British and Aborigines woald attack him that 
nig'ht. A Frenchman " Jocko" LaSallc, in sympathy with 
the Britishy pui"suaded him there was no trath in the report. 
His vigilant and successful Colonels also received and commu- 
nicated to him evidences of the oncoming of large forces of 
savages and British with artillery. But the General was un- 
der an evil spell. The reports were discredited; no further 
spies were sent out by him; no definite precautions against 
surprise were taken; nor special prepai*ations made for the 
comfort and safety of the troops who accompanied him. To 
what subtile, and soothingly disastrous influences had the 
General been subjected by assosiation with this gracious host 
and this voluble and genial Jocko ? Habituated to an easy, 
luxurious life, the General had beon for many weeks in the 
midst of forest wilds, privations and sufferings, and now had 
headquarters in a comfortable house; was, in fact the guest 
of a good liver with whom plenty abounded. The successes 
of his Colonels and his reliance on their vigilance brought a 
relaxation on the part of the General, on whom they relied, 
and he settled down to some enjoyment, soothed by the kind 
hospitality of his host and the false assurances of the enem3^'s 
friend. This was a magic spell of security and peace like the 
momentary cahii preceding a disastrous bui^t of the tempest. 

Very early in the morning of January 22nd the brave 
American troops were surprised by the stealthy foe and near- 
1}^ overwhelmed by superior numbers and ordnance. About 
three hundred were killed in the fierce combat and, later 
massacred direct and by the firing of buildings by the sav- 
ages. Five hundred and forty seven were taken prisoners. 
Others were missing. 

General Winchester, aroused by the guns, strove in the 
biting cold to join his army from which he was separated by 
the river and nearly a mile (?) of distance. Mounting his 
hosts' horse he rode in what he supposed to be the direction 
of the camp of his soldiers (Hosmer), but had not gone far 
before he was captured by Jack Brandy, an Aborigine of 



Fort Winchester. 2g 



Round Head's band, who divested him of nearly all clothing 
and conducted him half frozen to Colonel Proctor, the British 
commander. He was there pursuaded to order his troops to 
surrender. The white flag was started with this order to- 
wards the pickets behind which the Americans were more 
than holding their position. They refused to surrender. 
Thrice did the white flag pass from the British headquarters 
to the American line (^/w^r/(;aA< State Papers), once accom- 
panied by Winchester (Hosmer), before the courageous Major 
Madison would surrender, and which he then consented to do 
only after promises of protection to all Americans under the 
rules war. How these promises were ignored regarding the 
wounded and those captured by the savages, and how fully 
the savages reveled in butchery, is not within the province of 
this article to describe. 

General Winchester was sent by his British captors to 
Quebec and some time later to Beauport near that city, where 
he was confined until the spring of 1814 when he was ex- 
changed. He resigned his commission in March, 1815, and 
returned to his home in Tennessee, where he died 27 July, 
1826. The great disaster at the River Raisin, though most 
deeply lamented, was not without good results in its lessons. 
" Remember the Raisin" became the slogan that spurred 
many a man to enlist in the army and to do valiant service 
for his country; and it also incited the ofiicers to greater 
thoughtfulness, and greater sense of responsibility. 

, Although General Winchester had unfavorably disap- 
peared from the scene, the usefulness of the Fort bearing his 
name was not impaired. The storehouse (Fort Deposit No. 
2) that had been erected at the Rapids was now destroyed 
with much of its contents to prevent their being possessed to 
aid the enemy, and the troops retired from the lower river. 
Again Fort Winchester became the first position of defense 
in the Maumee Valley, and the principal shield to the settlers 
to the south of it who had become greatly alarmed. On 
February 1st General Harrison again advanced to the Rapids 
with 1,700 troops and choose a new position on the heights 
where Fort Meigs was afterwards built, to which point he 
ordered additional forces for the purpose of advancing 
against Maiden. The 11th of February he reported to Hon, 



'26 The Mauniee Valley Pioneer Association. 

John Armstrong-, Secretary of War, from "Headquarters, 
Foot of the Miami [Maumee] Rapids, " writing that the open 
^muddy) condition of the country, the expiration of the term 
of enlistment of many of the troops, and the garrisoning of 
the several posts established, would still further delay for the 
winter the advance of the armj^; and that a batallion of the 
militia lately called out from Ohio, with the company of 
regular troops then at Fort Winchester, would garrison the 
posts upon the waters of the Auglaize and the St. Mary. 

Troops and supplies continued to pass down the Maumee 
and Auglaize rivers, stopping under the walls of Fort Win- 
chester for the men to rest before continuing the march, or 
while awaiting a rise in the rivers to float their heavily laden 
boats over the rocks, down to Fort Meigs soon after its con- 
struction, with reinforcements during its first bloody, and 
second bloodless, investment by the enemy; and also to rein- 
force the victorious American troops later in 1813 and 1814, 
on Lake Erie, and for their advance up the Detroit River, 
and into Canada. 

A '^' Report of Provisions remaining at difi^erent posts on 
^the centre and left wings of the northwestern army (the pur- 
chasea of John H. Piatt, Deputy Purchasing Commissary), 
on the 24:th day of June, 1813, " shows that there were at 
Fort Winchester at that date the following named supplies: 
1,209 barrels of flour; 247 barrels of whiskey; 119 barrels 
■of salt; 13 barrels pork; 20,000 pounds bacon; 10 boxes soap; 
and 18 boxes candles. " Part of the flour damaged, being- 
sunk in the river after leaving [Fort] Amanda [on the Au- 
glaize River near the north line of the present Auglaize 
•County,] and St. Marys, and for the want of proper care af- 
ter it arrived at Fort Winchester." — -Ainei-ican State Papers. 

Many a weary soldier, worn with campaigning through 
the muddy forests, and from disease, and wounds, found at 
Fort Winchester welcome and recreative lodgment on his 
homeward journej^ after his term of enlistment had expired; 
;and at the close of the war following the Treaty of Ghent, 
December 24, 1814, when the State quotas were rapidly dis- 
charged to return finally to their homes. Fort Winchester, 
like most of the other fortifications, was soon thereafter 
dismantled, and the United States Regular Soldiers composr 



Fort Winchester. 2Y 

ing its garrison were distributed to widely scattered points on 
the receding frontier. 

Many of the voUinteers, and an occasional soldier of the 
regular army, returned to establish homes in the more natu- 
rally favored places admired in their campaigning days. Of 
this number the vicinity of Fort Winchester received a good- 
ly share. The blockhouses and oSicers' quarters were occu- 
pied by these settlers and their families as residences until 
houses were built upon their lands. The buildings of the 
Fort thus again served an admirable purpose, pist belliim 
auxilitiin, as homes for successive new comers so long as their 
timbers remained in iit condition for their occupancy; and 
then the better timbers were used to piece out new buildingS' 
in the neighborhood, while the poorer ones served as ready 
supplies for the winter fires. In 1822 the southeast block- 
house still contained a hand mill with burrstones, the use of 
which had been of incalculable benefit to the settlers, it being 
up to this date the only mill in this region. There was also 
a large perforated tin grater which was much used by the 
public for grating corn not fully ripe, for mush and griddle 
cakes. There also remained in this southeast blockhouse in 
1822 two or three iron-boand chests fall of written docu- 
ments relating to the soldiers and the war. Those papers, if 
now in hand, would disclose much of interesting details 
which have gone out with them, and would shed much light 
on parts of the story of this Fort and on the conduct of the 
war in the Northwest, that now appear vague, disconnected 
and unsatisfactory. All of the buildings of Fort Winches- 
ter had disappeared previous to the year 18i0, and at that 
date but few stub remnants of the stockade-timbers could be 
seen projecting above ground. 

Many yeai*s have now elapsed since comfortable resi- 
dences, and two church edifices, were built within the former 
precincts of Fort Winchester. Other churches, the public 
buildings of Defiance County, and the principal business 
houses of a thriving small city, are but a short distance re- 
moved from the site of its walls. Even during the active 
era of Fort Winchester, as the reader may have noticed in 
this article, the place was often referred to as Defiance, and 
so the name entered upon record. The earthworks of Gen- 



28 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

eral Wayne's Fort Defiance, still in existence, having- been 
for many years the only visual reminder of a former fortifi- 
cation at Defiance, the name and remembrance of the later 
and larger Fort Winchester has, in later years, become more 
and more obscured. In fact, very few of the residents of 
the City of Defiance, even, know of its former existence, and 
scarcely one of those few know the exact place where it was 
situated, as no trace of it has existed since the filling in, 
many years ago, of the cellar and underground passage way 
to the Auglaize River. The erosions of the river bank have 
been considerable since 1812 when Fort Winchester was 
built. The line of apple trees then standing along the bank 
have long since been undermined by the high waters and car- 
ried down the stream, the last one disappearing about the 
year 18T2. 

It has been the desire of the writer of this sketch to 
mention only such persons and events as will give the reader 
a connected and intelligent, though rapid, view of the necess- 
ity for Fort Winchester, of its origin and description, and of 
the important service it rendered; also such mention as may 
extend the reader's knowledge of the man under whose di- 
rections it was built, and in whose honor it was named. 




SOME COMPARISONS. 

An Address Delivered at the Bowling Green Meeting, J6 

August, 1900, 

By HON. CHARLES FOSTER. 



Since the Declaration of Independence in 1776, civiliza- 
tion has made greater strides than in all the preceeding; ex- 
istence of the world. 

In this time at the command of man the spirits of air, 
-eiu'th, water and fire has been made to do hig bidding. 

They propel steamships, railways, <3ars and mighty 
■engines. They make his clothes; they baild his houses; they 
illuminate cities, and they harvest crops, make ice in the 
tropics, grow oranges in snow, fan heated atmospherie into 
cooling breezes, banish icy winds, flash the news around the 
globe, carry the voice of man a thousand of miles, and pre-, 
serve it after he is dead, make a messenger boy of lightning. 

Men and women are in this audience who can remember 
the first introduction of steamboats, locomotives and the first 
daguerreotype, the sewing machine and the telephone-. 

Their grand children are used to the electric car, ocean 
greyhound, the kodak, and "the hel!o" girl. 

We are benefited immeasurably by thousands of dis- 
coveries, but do not pause to consider the wonder of it all, 
and how new a power science is to thq world. 

It is quite impossible to realize how little progress in 
civilization and scie;jce had been made when the American 
Union came into being, or .; even -since the first settlement 
was made in the Mauniee Valley. Beyond a limited 
knowledge of astronomy, a high understanding of architec- 
ture and art, but little progress had been made in all the 
preceeding years. 

I read recently statements which illustrates the lack of 
modern methods. , , 

The sewina: machine was not introduced until 1845. The 



JO. The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

first one turned by a crank, and a very poor imitation of the 
present machine that not only does ordinary sewing, but 
makes button holes, sews on buttons, works embroidiery,, 
makes carpets and makes shoes and ham ss. 

Until the time when Wood county was first i-ettled the 
lights were identical with those used in all time before. The 
lamp consisted of a cup, clay or metal, containing a little 
animal fat and a wick, while torches and tallow candles were 
generally used among the well-to-do. Tinder and flint were 
used in the place of the present match . (xas was not used 
for illumination until 1813 Since then it has spread all 
over the world 

Since Franklin caught the lightning ^ith a kite elec- 
tricity has become the miracle of the 19th Century and has 
largely superceded gas. Its searchlight pene rates the deep- 
est caverns, renders the miners lanterns a thing of the past, 
it explores the depths of the ocean, it exposes the interior of 
man, and furnishes heat, and power that may supercede 
steam. 

In 1847 anaesthetics was discovered enabling the surgeon 
to eliminate the agony of his patient while he leis irely per- 
forms his boldest feats in surgery with quiet confidence. 

When Wood county was first setth d land journeys were 
made by stage coach, and on horseback, and in the Black 
Swamp only on horseback, and by water in sail vessels and 
canoes. ' 

The usual mode was the man astride with his wife or 
sweetheart behind him with her arms tight around his waist 
to keep from falling off. Not an unpleasant predicament if 
there is not loo much of it. 

The buggy and in fact nearly all forms of modern ve- 
hicles are of American invention and were unknown 100 
years ago. Not a vehicle of any kind in use one hundred 
years ago that would be tolerated today. 

To Robert Fulton the claim to have made the first suc- 
cessful voyage with a steamboat is due. What mighty de- 
velopments since, both in mercantile and war ships. 

England has the horior of the invention of the first 
locomotive and the first railroad. This was about 1801, but 
the first public steam railway was opened Sept. 2Tfh, 1825. 



Some Comparisans.. . \ \ j/ 



The road was 38 miles long. The load includinar ■pa'^sengers 
was 90 tons and its speed, in some places, was 8| miles in 65 
minutes The surveyor was attacked with guns, pitphforks 
and sticks, and was threatened with being thrown into a 
pond of water. 

Railways were denounced in the papers, pamphlets were 
written against them, and even opposed in parliament. 

The road proposed to make twice the speed of stage 
coaches. A Quarterly Review of the time said, "The gross 
exaggeration of the power of the locomotive may delude for 
a time, but must end in the mortitication of those concerned. 
We would as soon expect the people of Woolwich to be fired 
off from a rocket as to trust themselves to the mercy of such 
a machine going at such a rate." 

It was charged that poisoned air from the locomotive 
would kill birds, and render the preservation of foxes impos- 
sible; that hens would stop laying, and cows cease to give 
milk. That there would no longer be use for horses, and 
that oats and hay would become unsaleable. 

While George Stephenson was undergoing examination 
by a member of Parliament, that familiar anecdote about the 
relative strength of the loc;>motive and the cow originated. 

The member said: "But suppose, Mr. Stephenson, one 
of these engines going along the track at the rate of nine or 
ten miles an hour should encounter a cow; would not that be 
bad think you?" "Yes," he replied, "very bad for the cow." 

The first railroad, the Baltimore & Ohio, was built in 
1830 and before 1840 many railroads w^ere begun. Among 
them was one from Toledo to Adrain of which one old 
pioneer friend, Charley King, was conductor. 

Two roads were started from Sandusky Since then 
the entire country has been girdled with them until there 
are now nearly 200,000 miles or about as much as the bal- 
ance of the whole world. There are now in use in this coun- 
try approaching 37,000 locomotives, 26,000 passenger cars, 
8,500 mail cars, and over 1^ million of freight cars, trans- 
porting 100 billion tons of freight, with gross earnings of 
$1,150,000,000 or over $3,000,000 each day with an invest- 
ment of probably -^1,000,000,000 dollars, employing nearly 
a million of the best paid labor in the world. And doing for 



j2 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Asso'ciaiion. 

practical temperance more than all the prohibitionists com- 
bined. No employe can keep his place if he is known to- 
drink intoxicants. 

Street cars began' to show themselves about 18=50, pro- 
pelled by horse power Then by cable, and now electricity 
is uuiver&ally used in this cotvntry for propelling street cars. 

Electric roads- are in ver}^ recent years^ penetrating the 
eountry, connecting villages and cities,, and acconmiodating^ 
the farmer on the way-side. What this new development 
may accomplish is for the future to decide It is pr6bable 
however, that they will come into general use. Crea ting- 
business, as they do, they will not seriously interfere with 
the traffic of the steam roads. 

Later comes the bicycle which has come into general 
iTse " ^ 

And now we have the Automobile. It is predicted for 
this new machine that it is likely to supercede horse power 
and may be used for plowing and other farming purposes,, 
and is now used for hauling heavy trucks in cities. 

The cheapening of the cost of steel has caused the change 
from wood to steel of all the larger steamships. When 
Wood County was first settled not an iron or steel ship was 
in existence, nor had any steamship of any kind crossed the 
ocean, or navigated our rivers or lakes. Now our Navy is 
made up of steel ship& with inpenetrable armor. All of our 
steamboats are made of steel. Today more tonnage passes 
Detroit than any other point in the world, where there was 
none in 1820. 

Ocean Grrey-hounds now are more than 700 feet long, 
will carry 1500 passengers, with a carrying capacity of 20,- 
000 tons. 

Traveling by rail and steamer has become a pleasure, so 
perfect and comfortable are the facilities afforded by them. 

The Post-office or something akin to it is as old as his- 
tory, but the present splendid postal and express facilities have 
grown up since the final settlement of the Maumee Valley. 

When Northern Wood County was first settled there 
was but one iiiail route, the mail carried on horse-back from 
Bucyrus to Perrysburg once a week. Letter postage for 30 
miles 6i cents; for 60 miles 12^ cents; for 100 miles 18f 



Some Comparisons. jj 



cents and for more than 100 miles 25 cents. It required two 
days to make the trip. Now there is at least one daily mail 
to the 60 odd post offices in the county, and many of these 
two and three or more, and by rural delivery many of the 
farmers of the county are receiving their mail at their doors, 
and the time is not far distant when every farmer in the 
county will be thus accommmodated. 

Why free deliveries — post offices on wheels? In 1800 
there were 900 post offices; now 80,000. In 1800 the re- 
ceipts were $280,000; now, nearly $100,000,000. 

While experiments were made in telegraphy prior to 
1836, it remained for Morse to perfect the first practical in- 
strument, a very clumsy affair compared with those now in 
use. In the direst poverty Morse went to Congress asking 
for an appropriation of $30,000 to establish a line to Balti- 
more. When he had but 3T cents left, through the aid of 
friends Congress made the appropriation. It passed a few 
minutes before midnight on the last day of the session. 
After 8 years of privation, absolute want, and patient wait- 
ing, the opportunity came to Morse to show the world what 
he could do. In May 1844, Morse was able to send Miss 
Ellswoi'th this message, " What God hath wrought" and not 
yet are we sure of the answer. 

The Government was oflered the invention for $100,000 
but declined it. It was well it was so. A private enterprise 
wins best results. As Morse, an American was the inventor 
of the telegraph so another American, Cyrus W. Field has 
the credit of laying the hi*st cable across the ocean. 

Today the telegraph girdles the Globe many times, and 
in the morning we read of the occurrences all over the world 
the day before. Immensely great as is the telegraph, still 
greater is the telephone, which another American (Bell) has 
the honor of its invention. By it the articulate speech with 
all its shades of tones and quality is so accurately transmitted 
and reproduced that the voice of a friend speaking at a great 
distance is easily recognized. 

In the United States 40 millions of people are brought 
within speaking distance of each other. It is perhaps the 
most remarkable achievement in science of this marvelous- 



.J./ The Manmee Valley Pioneej' Association. 

The speech of the telephone is as great an improvement 
over the telegraph, as the speech of man over the chatter of 
monkey's. And it is not improbable that all this may be 
done without wires. 

Shorthand writing is also the perfected invention by 
Isaac Pitman, an American, in 1837. By it the most rapid 
utterances can be accurately taken down, at the rate of 407 
words per minute. It has become invaluable to every public 
professional and business man. 

To a Frenchman, 1855, belongs the discovery of the 
Typewriter, but the machine in its perfected form dates from 
1873. An expert can use it at a speed of 200 words per 
minute. Shorthand and the Tj^pewriter go together and now 
become a necessity with all people who have considerable 
writing to do. 

It is the engineer who binds the world together with 
steel rails, and the electric wire of the telegraph. 

He builds mammoth machines which will crush a ton of 
granite or crack an ^gg with equal ease. He measures the 
mountains and rides upon the whirlwind. He makes use of 
the discoveries of science for the benefit of industr3^ No 
feat is so impossible that he is not ready for it. 

He annihilates space and matter. The spirit of the 
mountain and the demon of the seashore have no terrors for 
him. The deepest vallej^s and the highest mountains are his 
playthings. He bridges the one and tunnels the other. He 
lifts great masses weighing thousands of tons with the ease 
of lifting a finger. The fables of old are eclipsed by his 
genius. The climbing of mountains, the tunneling under 
rivers for railwaj^s and other purposes are but playthings for 
the modern engineer. The Cantilever and Suspension 
bridges testify to his marvelous genius. 

The Iron bridges in the United States would span the 
continent. It would require volumes to give in detail the 
wonderful triumphs that the engineer has accomplished since 
the first settlement of the Maumee Valley. I must be con- 
tent with a mere glance at them. 

The effect of modern machinery upon labor is a problem 
so great that a finite mind cannot grasp it. 

It is quite probable that labor-saving machinery is bound 



Some Comparisons. jj 



to annul the curse pronounced upon man, " that by the sweat 
of his brow shall man eat his bread." 

Statistics show that the present steam machinery of the 
world is e:][uivalent to the labor of one thousand millions of 
men, three times the working population of the Globe. Thus 
steam alone has thribled man's working power. 

By thus enabling man to economize his physical strength, 
machinery has given hiiu comparative leisure, comfort and 
abundance with greater opportunity for the mental training 
essential in a free country. 

No field of labor but has been invaded by the inventor, 
however great or trivial, for the purpose of minimizing 
human effort. 

It would be interesting if time permitted to give in de - 
tail the marvelous improvements in labor giving appliance 
used in the manufacture of the textiles, wool, cotton and 
silk. A yard of calico that I sold in my boyhood to Wood 
county people for 25 cents, can now be bought for 5 cents. 

By perfected machinery we find that the user of the wire 
nail finds it cheaper when he drops one to let it lie than to 
stop to pick it up. 

Pins, like nails, are so cheap that it is extravagant waste 
of time to pick them up. Pins, until Wood County was first 
settled, were ranked aa a luxury ^'Pin Money" is signifi- 
cant of the value attached to them. 

One of the laws of the ancient pin makers of Paris was 
that no maker should open more than one shop for th*:; sale 
of his ware except on New Year's E-ve and New Year's day. 
Then the ladies rushed to the shops to buy their yearly sup- 
ply- 

Not long ago it took 12 men to make a pin. Now by an 
American invention that from the wire a machine puts on 
the head and make& the point, sticks them on paper, counts 
them, and does them in packages at the rate of 200 gross per 
hour. There are 45 pin factories in the country, employing 
nearly 2000 hands, with an output value of more than one 
million dollars. 

The needle, though old as^ civilization, had to wait until 
Wood County was settled to see it perfected. In 1826 the 



j6 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

drilled eye needle made its appearance. Before that they 
were made by hand. 

The modern time piece is one of the marvels of the ^ge. 
And yet watches are so cheap that they are no longer lux- 
uries, bul have become necessities. 

The button is another modern invention. One hundred 
years ago there were not in the world as many buttons as 
you will find today in a country store. Now they are so plen- 
liiful and so cheap as to justify the phrase, "not worth a but- 
ton." Williston, of Easthampton, Mass., having failed, his 
wife covered buttons to eke out an existence, started the 
button industry and by a simple device he did the work and 
recovered his broken fortune. 

It seems incredible, but it is true, that a greater quan- 
tity of steel i-i used in pen making than in all the gun, sword 
and needle manufacture. In one sense ''the pen is mightier 
than the sword," and yet the modern metallic pen was un- 
known when the Maumee Valley was first settled. The steel 
pen is an English invention, one concern alone manufactur- 
ing 150,000,000 of pens per week. 

The paper bu^iness of today is only about 50 years old. 
Wood has been substituted for rags and the cost of paper has 
been largely reduced. 

In agriculture in the past one hundred years more de- 
velopment has been made than in all the preceding years. 
To agricultural colleges, schools and literature, and the study 
and observation of the farmer, are we indebted for this great 
advance. We lead all other countries in agriculture except 
in sugar, and here are we fast coming to the front. 

In agricultural implements we are the inventors and 
easily lead the world. To men who listen to me there are 
some who can go back to the days of the sickle, the only im- 
plement then used to harvest grain. My only experience in 
farming were in the days of the sickle. My part was to carry 
the jug and during harvesting to turn the grindstone. Some- 
times the content of the jug was not water. 

We are behind those days when whiskey was 
good and cheap, that it was cooling in the summer and warm- 
ing in the winter. I did not like my part of the farming — it 
was so easily learned that it had no attraction for me. 



Some Comparisons.. jy 

From the sickle to the cradle, and the cradle to reaper 
;are institutions within the recollection of the mid ile aged. 
With your mower and reaper, corn planters, drillers, hay 
loaders, tedder?^, and other devices, harvestino; is no longer 
•dreaded and is made an easy task. 

In household and kitchen appliances much of the driidg- 
•ery our grandmothers suffered is raad« easy work for their 
■children. 

The advance in 100 years in mining, meta-lurgy, geol- 
ogy, astronomy, exploration, discovery, education, medical 
science, and printing, would each require a large volume to 
recount — all very interesting and instructive. I have given 
but a brief outline of a few things only that have achieved 
importance ^sinoe the first settlement of this Valley. 




'ill,' 



PREHISTORIC PEOPLE IN THE MAUMEE RIVER. 

BASIN. 

An Address Delivered Before the Maumee Valley Pioneer As- 
sociation at Their Meeting in Bowling; Greenj^ 
August J 6, 1900, 

By DR. CHARLES E. SLOCUM. " 



Fairly gDod' evidence has been accuinirlating: with< 
scientists for some years lo show that man existed in Ohio^ 
m other parts of America aiad in Europe, either before or 
daring the last Age of Ice, 

The length of time since the last glacier melted from 
this region was formerly estimated by some persons to be as- 
itecent as thirty thousand years, while others estimated the 
time- as more distant, some even as re;note as- 100,000 years,, 
and more. Later geologists, however, have been reviewing 
the time-measurers with mathematic estimates, and the- 
minimu'm length of time now recorded places^ the passing of 
the last glacier at from eight to ten thousand years- agu,. 
7,500 years of this time having been occupied by the drain- 
age waters in eroding the Niagara Kiver Gorge. 

The evidence of man's existence at such remote times 
has consisted in the finding of rough stone implements, 
showing his handiwork, deeply buried in the drift of ground- 
up stone and other material now known as clay,, sand, hard- 
pan, etc., that was undoubtedly moved and deposited by a 
glacier, or the flood of water from its melting, and which 
has not since been disturbed in its depths. These unpolished 
stone implements, called palaeoliths or evidences of the first 
stone age of man, have been found in different parts of the 
earth. They were first recognized in France, and later they 
have been found and recognized in different parts of 
America. Southern Ohio has contributed to these finds; 



Prehistoric People oj the MaufiteePrver Basin, jp 

also States further we>t as well as east. My collection con- 
tains a number of very ancient Hint and granite implements 
which were found by different persons in different parts of 
tlie Maum«e Basin; but the evidence connected with their 
finding is not sufficiently full and convincing to place the 
indelifele sta^mp of such great antiquity as th« Ice Age upon 




ANCIENT FLINT KNIFE 

In the Writer's Collection. Drawn full size. It is medium in the size of 

the "palaeolith3'\ which it closely resembles. 

them. An excavation for water in Huron County sonre years 
ago brought to view, twenty feet or more below the surface 
and in undisturbed stratum, a ston© implement of ancient 
character, its great age being apparent from the changes 
that had taken place in its material. This is a Well-authen-- 
ticated and valuable find, probably among the best recorded 
in Northern Ohio. It is now displayed in the Peabody 
Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology of Harvard Uni- 
versity Whether the Maumee region will yet produce con- 
vincing proofs of man's existence here, or in the regions 
f.om which the drift material came, in the Ice Age of its 
history no one can now say. Every digging and boring 
should be made with careful outlook, and examination of 
every object brought from the strata beneath the surface as 



/o The Maumee Valley Pioneer Associcctiofc. 

it may shed new light on this su^tject as well as ow the origim 
and history of the strata themselves. 

The Maumee region is peculiar in its geologic story. It 
was elevated above the warm sea near th& close of the De- 
vonian Age, and there is absence here on that accoun-t of the 
rock formations during the five or more long^ periods of geo. 
logic time intervening between the Devonian Age and the 
Quarternary period af the Age of Mammals as partly shown 
in other parts of Ohio and more fully in other States. 

This region is also peculiar in showing few evidences of 
very ancient man thus far. It has been written that central 
and southern Ohio cantain ten thausamd prehistoric earth 
mounds, built by man; ane writer at least names the number 
even as high as thirteen thousand. Probably the authentic 
number, large as it certainly is, is not so great as has been 
stated. The Maumee region af which I speak includes all 
the territory di*aining into the Maumee River, embracing en- 
tire, or in part, tw&nty-two caunties, fifteen in Ohia, five in 
Indiana, and twa in Michigan, embracing more than six 
thousand square miles. In this territory I have record of 
only forty-nine burial mounds of prehis^toric man's construct- 
ion that can properly be called very old. There are many 
other prominences and mound-like elevations, composed of 
cla.y, sandy and alluvium, scattered throughout this region; 
but careful inspection shows them to have been fonned by the 
ice in glacial times, or by the action of water since the subsi- 
dence of the glacier's. There are recorded, also, six earth- 
works, circular and semi-circular in form, which are supposed 
to have been foundations of forts in the early historic period, 
although no early record has been found of them. 

Thefii*s.t white men to explore this region were the 
eoureurs de hois, French wanderers through the forests who 
had broken away from all the resti'aints of their country- 
men's government, preferring to lead a wild life with the 
Aborigines. Some of them probably roamed through the 
Maumee Valley as early as two hundred and fift}^ year's ago, 
but they left no record. The first definite mention of this 
region, and of the peoples found here, that is of the historic 
entry of white men into this Valley, does not much antedate 
the year ITOO. From this date until the coming of white 



Prehistoric People oj the Mattmee River Basin, ^i 

men in material numbers as settlers, about one hundred and 
fifteen j^ears afterward, and until the removal westward of 
the Aborigines by the general Government in 1832 and 1843, 
during this historic period of one hundred and forty-three 
years, it is known that numerous tribes of Aborigines trav- 
ersed this region with frequent battles among themselves and, 
later, battles with the armies of the Government. The num- 
ber thus slain, added to the deaths from disease, must have 
been very considerable. These bodies were interred, if in- 
terred at all, intrusively in the mounds and higher places 
both natural and artificial, as found by the survivors when, 
possibly centuries after the artificial mounds were built, they 
were wanted for this purpose. It is j^et often the case that 
bones of this early historic period are exhumed by the action 
of running water, by the farmers' plows, or by shovels in 
the natural processes of work. In places these bones have 
thus been commingled with those of prehistoric people of 
later times. Probably many generations of the prehistoric 
people existed here whose bones have, ages since, literally re- 
turned to the dust of the earth from which they were formed 
through the marvelous processes of life. They were here 
before the building of these mounds. The bones of the 
earlier burials in the mounds are mostly well-crumbled from 
time; in some places only the teeth, and the harder parts of 
the bones remaining in outline, and in other places only 
fainter evidences of their lime constituent being found. 
This is one distinguishing mark of the antiquity of these 
mounds. Other distinguishing features are the arrangement 
of the bodies, and the arrangement of fire over them in 
funeral rites as evidenced by charcoal and baked clay. We 
should bear in mind in this discrimination that generations 
of later (historic) peoples also used fire on these mounds for 
cooking and warming purposes. If any weapons, imple- 
ments or ornaments were buried with the body, their charac- 
ter is also very suggestive of the period of the interment. 

Of this chaiucter of ancient mounds, as before stated, 
I have recoi*d" of but forty-nine in the Maumee Basin. Their 
situation is peculiar and suggestive. I will point out on my 
map the situation of those nearest the homes of those per- 
sons present. Beginning in the northwestern part,, three 



42 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

mounds have been noted in Steuben County, Inctiana; eleven 
mounds are recorded in DeKalb Count}^, and seven mounds 
in Allen County, Indiana. Paulding County, Ohio, has five 
mounds on the high banks of the Maumee River in and near 
Antwerp. Defiance County has five mounds. One of these, 
situated on the right high bank of the Maumee River one- 
half mile above the mouth of TiSin River, was undermined 
by high waters twent3^-five or more years ago; the others 
were on the high left and right banks of the Auglaize River 
from two to four miles south-west of the Defiance Court 
House. Fulton County has twelve mounds situate in Pike 
Township. Recent explorations in Lucas County have dem- 
onstrated two ancient, probably prehistoric, mounds on the 
farm of Captain Clayton Everett, on the left bank of the 
Maumee River just outside the corporate limits of Toledo. 
All of the mounds were of small size, thirty feet in diam- 
eter and eight feet in height being about the largest limits 
when first recognized. Others have been worn so small as to 
be scarcely discernable; and probably other smaller ones 
have become obliterated without record. They were con- 
structed for burial purposes and contained as near as could 
be determined from one to ten bodies originally. The mound 
on the right bank of the Auglaize River four miles southwest 
of the Defiance Court House was probably constructed over 
eight bodies placed in a sitting posture. The articles found 
in these mounds, that were probably interred with the bodies, 
have been few in number and very simple in character. A 
gorget or two, or a rude ceremonial object, belonging to the 
very ancient period, are the extent of the finds. ArroW" 
heads belong to a somewhat later period. Later graves have 
also shown beads and wampum, with an occasional silver 
charm bestowed by the French missionaries, or an occasion- 
al metal hatchet, or other proof that the interment was made 
in the historic period. 

Probably few if any of those ancient burial mounds in 
this region remain unexplored. Unfortunately most of 
them have been "opened" and re-opened by persons wholly 
inexperienced and unlearned in the proper modes of explor- 
ation, and by many actuated only by the hope of finding ob- 
jects that would be valuable in a commercial sense. All such 



Prehistoric People of the Mauniee River Basin, ^j 

action for pecuniary gain is a species of vandalism that 
should be discouraged, even by special enactment of law. A 
mound or place imagined to contain anything of archaeo- 
logic value should be carefully noted in its relation to natu- 
ral objects and to the land section-lines, and it should be 
marked otf into squares of two, three or five feet in size, and 
then be dug through with perpendicular walls so as to dis- 
play the varying strata all features of which, as well as of 
all objects of interest found, should be photographed, and 
intelligently recorded. All such exploration would best be 
placed under the supervision of a practical archaeologist. 

Why were so few mounds built in this region ? 

Evidently but small bands of mound builders inhabited 
or sojourned a brief period of time, in this territory. Prob- 
ably they came from the south, and they were probably de- 
stroyed or driven southward by the more war-like tribes from 
the north, who also destroyed or drove southward their 
friends, the moundbuilders of central and southern Ohio. It 
is well established that some mounds were being built in the 
South at the time of the discovery by Columbus, and the fol- 
lowing early visits of the Spaniards. Very good evidence 
has been adduced to prove that the mounds of Ohio were 

built bv the ancestors of the Cherokees of historic times- 

. . . . ' 

and that the early Shawnees also did something in this line. 

Possibly it was their slaves in bondage who performed the 
manual labor. It is also reasonable to suppose that the other 
prehistoric peoples who inhabited or roamed through this re- 
gion were, in part at least, the ancestors of those tribes seen 
here during the early historic period. 

It is hardly necessary for me to say in closing that the 
stone weapons and implements, the stone ''Indian relics," be- 
long to prehistoric times, and from them we may rightly in- 
fer much regarding the people who made them and those 
who used them. Their manufacture and mostly their use 
were discontinued with the coming of Europeans with metal 
knives, hatchets and firearms, to trade for peltries. 

The relics of the Stone Age that have been found in this 
region are both numerous and varied, evidencing a large num- 
ber of prehistoric peoples and much of good workmanship 
existing among them. These stone articles represent various 



^^/ The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

tj^pes which have also been found throughout the east, the 
west, the north and the south, thus showing a very wide 
range of travel and traffic by the prehistoric peoples who 
yielded their weapons and other implements, their orna- 
ments, and their lives, in this region to disease, to the wild 
beasts of the forest, or to other tribes more wild and savage 
than the beasts. 

My collection embraces many of those relics, generally 
of flint and the hardest granitic stones, many of which show 
in their weatherings evidences of the lapse of great length of 
time since their shaping by the hand of mankind. Their full 
story has never been, and from the nature of it can never be 
fully written; — but it does not require much of conjecture 
for a student of archaeology to comprehend the crude pomp 
and ceremony of their display by their ancient owners; of 
their great value as weapons of defense; and enough of the 
cruel conflicts between neighbors in which they were wielded 
with deadly effect. 



I 




PETER NAVARRE/^ 

Respectfully Dedicated to the Mattmee Valley Pioneer Asso> 

ciation* 



Some day when the Truth has reclaimed from the tomb 

This tale, which a century has shrouded in gloom. 

The tongue of a master shall tell it, and then 

Men will listen, and clamor to hear it again. 

And when it is told in the ages to come 

Men's eyes will be moist and men's lips will be dumb. 

And the patriot pilgrim will come from afar, 

To kneel at the grave of Peter Navarre. 

The frontier blazed and the borderland bled 

With the tomahawk's stroke, and the midnight was red 

With the fierce flames which followed the red raider's 

brand, 
For the fiends of Tecumseh were abroad in the land. 
II was then, in the moment of danger and dread 
The Avenger strode forth with a price on his head. 
And the legands still tell, how all thrtrngh that war 
Death rode in the saddle with Peter Navarre. 

Where the Maumee's green banks broaden out fair and 

wide 
To the lake, stands Fort Meigs. On the opposite side 
And a mile farther down is Miami, the spot 
Where as glorious a battle as ever was fought 
Was waged against odds of a hundred to one. 
But more than a triumph of arms was won 
In that fight, for our flag — our flag might be lacking a 

star t 
Were it not for that battle and — Peter Navarre. 



^6 The Mawmee Valley Pianeer Association^^ 

What l)oots it to tell of a strug'gle which gave 
To freedom a home and to Thraldom a o^rave'^ 
The annals of war in no ag^e and nO' clime 
Have ever revealed so barbaric a crime 
As Proctor committed at Frenchtown. Glenco© 
Was rivalled and shamed that black day at Monroe-. X 
The news traveled fast and the news traveled far. 
And the herald who bore it was Peter Navarre. 

Who was it who swam the broad river and crept 
Through the brush at Fort Stephenson^ nor baited nor 

slept. 
While, camped at Fort Meigs^ Harrison parleyed witfe 

fate 
And hoped for the help that might reach Mm to late. 
Who was ity entrapped, fought his way to the fort, 
And fought his way back with the cheering report 
That assistance was coming. The fates have no bar 
For men of su<3h mettle as Pfeter Navarre . 

The valley is stricken w^ith terror and where,. 
Oh, where is Navarre"^ There is^ death in the air. 
For Proctor is marching from Maiden the while 
Tecumseh is massing his braves at Presq'ile. 
The men in the forts ply the pick and the spade; 
The women and children within the stockade, 
Like the mariners who trust in their compass and star- 
Place their hopes in high Heaven and — Peter Navarre 

The battle has waged these six hours. At last 
The enemy's gaining, the outposts are passed. 
God help them, they fight with a frenzied despair; 
They fight for their homes and their helpless ones there. 
Surrender? No, never! There's too much to be lost. 
Were it only their lives, they'd have laughed at the cost. 
When lo, as hope flees in affright, from afar 
Comes the thrice-blessed war cry of Peter Navarre, 

With a fierce yell of vengence and '■'Remember Monroe," 
Six hundred Kentuckians flash death on the foe. 
Oh, sweet are the kisses which true love bestows, 



Peter Navarre. ^ 



A.ud dear are the blessings the home circle knows, 
But sweeter ami dearer and better than all 
Is the joy which Revenge seeks and finds in the fall 
Of a traitor and tyrant, Death's gates stood ajar 
For the harvest that day reaped by Peter Navarre. 

Defrauded by Fate and neglected by Fame, 
No stone tells the story, no slab bears the name!| 
Of the hero whose life was an epic sublime. 
But a people will know in the fullness of time, 
Wheii the love of a Nation and voice of a bard 
Shall give to a hero a hero's reward. 
Then stain shall not tarnish or blemish shall mar 
The glory which halos the name of Navarre. 

— M. P. MURPHEY. 



*TeterlSravarre was "born in Detroit in 1785, and in 1807 he removed 
to the mouth of the Maumee river on the East Side, and built a log 
cabin where he lived with his brother Robert. Peter could speak Cana- 
'dian French and the Pottawatomie dialect and was a close friend of Chief 
Little Turtle. For several years he was employed by a Detroit house in 
T)uying furs of the Miamis near Ft. Wayne. The war of 1812-15 closed 
the fur trade and Peter and his three brothers, Robert, Alexis and Jaquot 
tendered their services to General Hull. Peter also besought General 
Hull to accept the services of the Miamis which were declined and they 
afterward took part with ihe British. 

Before seeing active service, Peter was included in the stirrender of 
General Hull, and paroled although they denied the right to treat him 
as a prisoner of war, and at once took active part for the United States, 
wherenpon General Proctor offered a reward of 200 pounds for Peter's 
scalp. Until the close of the war he acted as scout; for General Harrison^ 
He used to say that the worst night he ever spent was as bearer of a dis' 
patch from General Harrison then at Fort Meigs to Fort Stephenson 
(Now Fremont), in a thunderstorm of great fury and fall of water. He 
covered the distance of over 30 miles through the unbroken wilderness, 
and the morning following delivered to General Harrison a reply. 

Because his name was not on the enlistment roll the law provided 
no pension for his great service, but by special act of congress his last 
days were made more comfortable by pecuniary relief. At the close 
of the war he returned to his home near the mouth of the Maumee 
river, and spent the balance of his life there, dying in East Toledo, 
March 20, 1874, i'^ his 89th year. For several years previous to his 
death he served as President of the Maumee Valley Pioneer Associa- 
tion. 

t It is a fact that the last battles for American liberty were fought 
along the Maumee valley, and it is admitted had Harrison been defeated 



^8 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Assaciation. 

on the banks of the Maumee and Perry beaten at Put-in Bay, Ohio,. 
Michigan and possibly Indiana and Illinois would still be British pos- 
sessions. 

I The butchery of the Kentucky soldiers at Monroe, then known as 
Frenchtown, by order of General Proctor, commander of the British 
forces ^ forms one of the blackest pages in American history. After the 
surrender of the American soldiers they were slaughtered in cold blood 
and scalped by the red-skinned allies Proctor permitted the outrage 
though the brave Indian chief, Tecumseh, protested against theniassacre. 

II Peter Navarre is buried in St. Francis de Sales cemetery, and I am 
informed that no stone marks the grave of as gallant an American soldier 
as ever fought for the flag or carried a musket. 



SOME ERRORS CORRECTED; 



FORT MIAMI, The still-existing' Earthworks of which are 
Within the Present Limits of the Village of Maumee, Ohio. 

The pamphlet cantaining' the ' 'Appeal af the Maumee 

Valley Monumental Association to the Congress of the 

United States," in the winter of 1885-86^, reads regarding 

Fort Miami as follows, in part: * * * "by order of 

Glencoe, Governor of Canada, it was reoccupied in 1Y85, as 

a military post * * * in 1795 it was again abandoned " 
-X- * -x- 

Whether these statements were copied, as they read in 
this pamphlet, from a former publication or not, is not known 
to the writer. It is not necessary to state to the student of 
history, however, that Canada's governor thus referred to 
bore the name Simcoe, not Grlencoe, and that the British did 
not build, nor reoccupy. Fort Miami in the year 1785. Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel John Graves Simcoe, of good repute in the 
British army in the Revolutionaiy War, was Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor of Upper Canada, under Lord Dorchester, from 1791 
to 1794. He it was who built Fort Miami, and in April, 1794. 

This fort was evacuated by the British garrison 11 July, 
1796, not in 1795 as stated in the pamphlet; and it was im- 
mediately occupied by a detachment of United States troops 



Some Errors Corrected. 



49 



who were encamped near-by for this purpose. It was soon 
thereafter abandoned on account of there being no need of a 
fortitication so near (within seven miles direct line of) Fort 
Industry. 

In the pamphlet containing " A Collection of Historical 
Addresses [relating to] the Battle Fields of the Maumee Val- 
ley, Delivered Before the Sons of the American Revolution, 
District of Columbia Society, March 18, 1896," on page 24, 
Colonel W. H. Chase repeats the "Governor Glencoe " error. 

It is probable that the name Simcoe was, at the start of 
this error, written by a person afflicted, or affected, with bad 
penmanship and, possibly, the compositor did the best he 
could in setting it "Glencoe." Thus the sin of writing illeg- 
ibly is often the inception of errors that may be repeated by 
copyists to the end of time. 

FORT DEFIANCE, On the High Point at the Junction of the 
Auglaize River with the Maumee, Within the present City 
of Defiance, Ohio. 

Mr. John W. Van Cleve, of Dayton, Ohio, furnished to 




FORT DEFIANCE. 
Ground Plan, From Studies and Surveys by the Writer. 

The American Pioneer' for September, 1843, volume II, num- 
ber IX, pages 386, 387, a sketch and description of the 



-^o The Maiimee Valley Pioneer Association. 



groand plan of Fort Defiance, made from the memory of his 
father who visited the place in October, 1Y94. While this is, 
in some parts, a valuable contribution to the history of this, 
the strongest and most important fortification built by Gen- 
eral Wayne, the writer calls attention to the earthworks still 
preserved, in justification of the accuracy of his changed 
draft of the relation of the blockhouses 'Bnd ditches to the 
magnetic meridian and to the rivers as the bank-lines exist 
today, and as they probably existed at the time of the build- 
ing of the fort. Mr. Van Cleve's draft has been copied into 
Knapp's Historic of the Maumee Valley, and other publications. 
A comparison of it with the writer's survey, as shown by the 
accompanying engraving, is invited. 

FORT INDUSTRY, which stood near the Mouth, and North 

Bank, of Swan Creek, within the present City of Toledo 

Ohio. 

H. S. Knapp, in his History of the Maumee Valley, on 
page 93, states that General Wayne built Fort Industry im- 
mediately after the Battle of Fallen Timber. Lieutenant 
Boyer, the diarist of General Wayne's campaign in this 
Northwest country, did not mention this fort; neither did 
the communication ten days after the Battle of Fallen Tim- 
ber which did state that "the Indians are well and regularly 
supplied with provisions from the British magazines, at a 
place called Swan Creek." All probabilities thus far con- 
sidered point to its construction at a later date. In the His- 
tDrical (^collections of Ohio by Henry Howe, volume II, page 
148, Ohio Centennial Edition, it is stated that Fort Industry 
was built "about the year 1800." 

No definite authentic record relating to its establishment 
has thus far been obtainable from the War office, or else- 
where by the writer who, from a study of the conditions 
likely to make a fortification necessary at that place, infers 
that it was built by, or under the orders of. General Wayne, 
soon following the Treaty at Greenville, in August, 1795. 
In this Treat}^ important reservations of land were made for 
the United States, among them being one of twelve miles 
square which included the British Fort Miami and the lower 
part of the Rapids, and another reservation six miles square, 



Some Errors Corrected. 5/ 

adjoininof the other and embracing the banks of the Maumee 
River at it mouth. Title was thus secured Irom the former 
allies of the British to the land on which their fort stood, 
and to the prominent site commanding the principal (river) 
approach to it. The inference is that Fort Industry was 
buil immediately after securing title to these lands from the 
Aborigines, and before the proclamation of the Jay Treaty, 
to neutralize the effects on the Aborigines of the British 
garrison at Fort Miami. Fort Miami was the best built fort 
of its time in this Northwest country. It was the last 
British stronghold influencing the Aborigines against 
American settlers in the Maumee Valley. Its location was 
the favorite one at that time and, evidently, there would 
have been no need of building Fort Industry if Fort Miami 
had been vacant at the time, or then known soon to be vacated, 
for United States troops to occupy. An important Treaty 
was held at Fort Industry in the year 1805, but the time of 
its abandoment by the troops is not known to the writer. 

FORT WINCHESTER; at Defiance, Ohio. 

The greatest error of all is the omission, by nearly all 
writer-i, of Fort VVinchester from the list of historic places 
in the Maufnee Valley. This large military post was built a 
few rods south of the ruins of Fort Defiance early in the 
War of 18 L2, and Tendered important services throughout 
that war . See page 5 of this pamphlet. 

The Site of General Arthur St. Clair's Defeat in 1791. 

The Western Christian Advocate of Cincinnati, issue of 
19 June, 1901, page 774, gives an account of the unveiling 
of the monument, 14 June, 1901, to mark the site of Fort 
Washington. General B. R. Cowen delivered the address, 
and the Advocate makes him say that General St. Clair "met 
with disastrous defeat at the Battle of Fallen Timbers." 
General St. Clair did not get nearer Fallen Timber than 
about 100 miles in direct line. His disastrous battle-field 
was in the southwestern part of the present Mercer County, 
Ohio, where General Wayne recovered the ground and built 
Fort Recovery in 1793, and where the village of that name 
now stands. 



^2 The Mauniee Valley Pioneer Association. 

The Advoade further quotes General Cowen as sayino^ 
that General Wayne left Fort Washington with his army in 
1794, which event should be written 1798. 

Let us put forth every effort to be correct. 

Charles E, Slocum. 



'AGIN'^ CIVILIZATION. 



Yes, Civilization's too much for me, 

An' I wish I was back where I use' ter be, 

On the farm, where water was pulled from the well 

With the windlass an' bucket I loved so well; 

Where we hunted the foxes, the coon an' th' deer. 

An' waded the creek fully half o' the year. 

Where squirrels an' chipmunks would feed on the corn, 

While we went to the call of the ole dinner horn; 

There victuals well seasoned in one course was piled. 

An' each helped himself while we talked an' we smiled; 

Where nobod}^ sot holdin' forks like a pen. 

But knives fed the mouths of big hearty men; 

There the ole open tire place cracked with logs 

That us boys chopped an' hauled 'cross the loV swampy 

bogs; 
Yes, it beat all your gas for comfort an' health, 
Tho' it took a bit longer to gather up wealth; 
But we cleared up the farms with hard, honest toil. 
An' were happier men than you'uns with oil; 
How^ I long for a candle to light me to bed. 
An' the crowing of roosters, the dog's bark instead 
Of this shriekin' of whistles, an' clamor of bells. 
The rumblin' of street cars, the huckster's loud yells; 
Yes, away with electrical wires an' lights, 
An' back to the tallow to lighten the nights; 
An' rest the poor eyes of the children so dear ^ 
That study through glasses now half o' the year; 
It's dreadfull}^ sad when I think it all o'er, 
An' know that these things can't come to us no more; 
No oxen to drive an' few horses to lead, 
But all the world wheelin' at break- neck speed; 



The Great Apple Tree oj D efiance. ^j 

It's civilization, but take it, I pray, 

An' let me g-o back to the dear, good ol' way. 

Mrs. S. C. Evers. 



THE GREAT APPLE TREE OF DEFIANCE. 



Frenchmen were the first Europeans to pass along the 
Maumee River. It is highly probable that this region was 
visited by them as early as the middle of the seventeenth 
•century, but there is no record of their travels here until late 
in that century. They were gi eat lovers of fruit, and all 
along the larger rivers, which were their principal lines of 
travel, they planted apple trees. Such trees early abounded 
along the Detroit River and along the Maumee, particularly 
•about Defiance and Fort Wayne. 

Early in the nineteenth century the Americans who 
came into the Maumee Valley were particularly struck by 
the large number and the large size of apple trees at these 
favorite points. 

General Wayne spared ihe great "Old Apple Tree"" on 
the north bank of the Maumee River, opposite his Fort De- 
fiance. It was also spared by General Winchester and the 
other commanders who led their soldiers past it in the War 
of 1812. 

In later years, as the settlers increased in number, this 
tree grew stronger and increased its product, for some 
length of time furnishing every man, woman and child with 
all of the apples they wanted- — and very good apples they 
were, even to the last days of the tree's life, as everyone of 
the older residents of Defiance can yet testify. 

Records began to be made; and this tree became record- 
ed as the Larsrest Apple Tree in America. Benson J. Loss- 
ing, the historian, visited Defiance in the year 1860 in in- 
terest of his Pictorial Field-Book of the War of 1812. He 
then wrote of it as "an aged and gigantic tree." Decay had 
begun, however, at that time, and his measurements were 
inadequate to express its dimensions according to the evi- 
dence of the late Joseph Ralston, and the still living mem- 



5/ The Maunvee VcuUey Pioneer Association.. 

ber tii this Association, Benjamin B. Woodcox, who resided' 
matrty years in the same yard with the tree. The sketchi 
from which the accompanying engraving i& made, is from 
this, and other pianeers- e\ddence, corroborated in part by 
the writer's own observations of the tree,^ he having first 
seen it sixteen years before the last section disappeared.. 
The sketch is drawn proportionate, with a large size man,. 
six feet in height,, standing near 

Statistics, printed years ago in consonance with the- 
above named evidence, show that this venerable tree meas- 
ured twenty-one feet and nine inches in circumference, four 
feet above the ground; that it was upwards of forty-five feet 
in height, and shed apples some distance all araund the out- 
side of a circular fence fifty -eight feet in diameter which 
surrounded it between tbe years 1853 and 1864. "In the 
year 1862 upwards- of one hundred and twenty-five bushels- 
of fair size tart apples- were picked from this tree." 

The tree was composed of threfr main branches,, separ- 
ating from the trunk about seven feet above the ground. 
The east and west branches were about of a size. The south 
branch, though somewhat smaller,, was larger than the trunks 
of large apple trees in general. In 1855 the branches were 
splitting the trunk, and the two larger, east and west ones- 
were bolted with an iron rod three-fourths inch in diameter- 
and fourteen feet in length.. The south branch fell to the 
ground about the year 1875, and the lasfc of the larger 
branches disappeared from view in the A^ear 1887. 

The Mauniee Valley, with its former thickly studded and 
immense foi^est grawths of many species and great solidity,, 
is entitled to be recorfed as having been the most valuable of 
forest regions. The Great Apple Tree of Defiance partook 
of the solidit}^, of the endurance, the magnitude and the 
grandeur of the surrounding oaks. It was the pioneer, and 
the monarch, of its species. 

Charles E. Slocum. 




THE FORT DEFIANCE BLOCKHOUSES, ORIGINAL 
AND RESTORED. 



The work of building ttie Fort Defiance Blockhouses, 
*(No. 1) under the immediate supervision of General Anthony 
Wayne began 9th August, 1T94, and the}^ were soon ready 
for occupancy by the soldiers chosen to garrison them. Au- 
gust 15th the Army moved forward, and on the 20th the Bat- 
tle of Fallen Timber was fought and won. August 2Tth the 
Army returned to Fort Defiance where it remained until 14 
September, 1794. During this sojourn the blockhouses were 
made "bomb proof" and were prepared for winter use; the 
stockades were strengthened, the moats enlarged and pickets 
«et over them, the underground pathway to the river was 
completed, and the Fort generally was put in condition to 
successfully defj^ any foe that would come against it. With 
such assurances in mind when first built, General Wayne 
named the works Fort Defiance. It was the completest and 
strongest fortification built by this able General. 

The exact date of the abandonment of Fort Defiance by 
the soldiers is not known; but it is supposed to have been by 
•command of Colonel Francis Hamtramck who arrived here 
from Fort Wayne 21 (?) May, 1796, and who, the following 
July, took possession of the British posts Miami and Detroit 
■evacuated then according to the terms of the Jay Treaty. 

Following the abandonment of Fort Defiance by the 
soldiers, the Blockhouses soon went to decay. No one was 
interested in preserving them, and the Aborigines treasured 
antipath}^ Probably they were at once fired, or the timbers 
were soon used for fires in winter. Eighteen years after 
their building, at the coming of General Winchester in the 
War of 1812, they were gone. 

Early in the year 1894 a few active minds in Defiance 
suggested that the Centennial of Fort Defiance be celebrated. 
This suggestion at once became popular. Others suggested 



^6 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

a restoration of the Fort. This suggestion also met with' 
wide favor; and when the committee announced through the 
newspapers the project, and the desire for the contribution of 
logs for, that purpose, the response far exceeded expectations. 
Farmers, far and near, vied with other in their haste to cut 
and haul one log each, or more, of the published size. Resi- 
dents of the city were not behind. Teams were hired and 
sent to the country in every direction, and so professional 
men, merchants, clerks, clubs and every, obtained from 
their countiy friends, or, acquaintances logs for the general 
contribution. The number of logs received was thus swelled 
to near six hundred. Many kinds of timber were seen in the 
piles — different kinds of oak, elm, buckeye, basswood, pop- 
lar, Cottonwood, hackberry, black walnut, and white walnut,, 
being particularly observed; and straight, sound logs they 
were. A superintendent and workmen were employed. A 
portable sawmill was moved to the grounds and during July 
1894, the four Blockhouses, Na. 2, were constructed as near 
like the originals. No. 1, as the scant description of them and 
the irregular mode of the later building admitted. They 
were over twenty-one feet squai'e in outside ground measure- 
ment The first story was nine feet high. The second story 
was seven feet high from floor to eaves, and it projected over 
the sides of the first story all around so as to leave an open- 
ing of eight inches between the inner wall of the second 
story and the outer wall of the first so that soldiere on the 
second floor could at all times keep the outer walls of the first 
story under full observation.. The roofs were quadrangular 
pyramids, the roof of the east house having the addition of 
an open, square look-out with secure stairs leading to it. 

Only a short line of stockade was built as an illustration. 

The Blockhouses, though faulty illustrations of military 
works, served the general purpose of their erection fairly 
well. 

The Centennial Celebration was widely noticed by the 
newspapers and never before, nor since, have their been so 
many visitors in the City at one time. William McKinley, 
then Governor of Ohio, delivered the principal address. 
Since that day, as on that occasion, the Fort Grounds have 
been the mecca of visitors to Defiance., and the Blockhouses 



The Fort Defiance Blockhouses^ Etc. ^j 

have been objects of interest. But, with many of the 
citizens of Detiance whose opinions are worthy of consider- 
ation, these Blockhouses No. 2 grew into disfavor. The 
reasons: they were the resort, occasionally, of disreputable 
characters, and nuisances were committed in their shadows. 
They had served the purpose of their coiistruction and were 
encumbering the limited extent of ground desired by the 
public as a park, and for observation. The Park Com- 
missioners became like-minded and, 30 June, 1901, adver- 
tised them for sale to the highest bidder, the bids to be 
opened July 6th following. I^enjamin B. Woodcox, a 
pioneer member of this Association, was declared the high- 
est bidder at $143.83. With commendable loyalty to this 
•Association he asked, and obtained permission to delay the 
demolition of the Blockhouses until after the Annual Meet- 
ing of this Association, already advertised to be held on 
Fort Defiance Point 15 August, 1901. 

Visitors, for many years, could but notice, and admire, 
the lofty and beautiful proportions of a Honey Locust Tree, 
Gleditsia triacat/thos, L., situated close to the inner face and 
north corner of the west Blockhouse. This tree measures 
something over sixteen feet in circumference at the smallest 
part of its trunk. It has grown in its entirety since the 
War of 1812. [t is beginning to decay and will soon follow 
the razing of the Blockhouses the latter part of August, 
1901. Chaeles E. Slocum. 




A Plea for Greater Simplicity and Greater Accuracy In The 
Writing's of the Future 

REGARDING THE AMERICAN ABORIGINES. 



The number of men and women who have written of the 
American Aborigines with more or less of fullness, and with 
more or less of accuracy, is large; and it soon becomes evi- 
dent to even the casual reader of their writings that there is 
too much of ambiguity and repetition, including worn-out 
theories, too much of fiction and morbid sentiment, and al- 
together too much of complexity in the treatment of the un- 
solved problems, and in the characters built up and ascribed 
to these people. 

The number is few who do not continue a prolix and 
f ault}^ nomenclature. 

The term "Indian" should have been discontinued long 
ago; and while a few writers have recognized this truism they 
have been unfortunate in their choice of a designating word 
to take its place, thus adding to the complexity. 

The designation "American Race" is objectionable for 
several reasons, among which are the well-supported belief 
that they are not a separate race, the probability of their 
soon ceasing to exist as a separate or distinctive people, etc. 

It is also insufficient and inappropriate to style these 
people the "Red Race." Color is a relative feature, and it is 
but one of several features when it is of value in describing- 
race characteristics. A visit to the upper classes in the 
Carlisle school shows its inappropriateness. In this connect- 
ion it may well be stated that the repetition of the term "the 
whites" to designate those of the Caucasian race is a vulgar- 
ism to be avoided. 

The appellation "Amerind" is the most inexcusable of 
all, and is likel}^ to be confined to a few persons of the pres- 
ent generation. It possesses nothing to commend it, and it 



A Pica for Greater Smiplicity ^ EU. ^g 

should not be repeated. An explanation of this bastard 
term must needs accompany it; and its use would, also, per- 
petuate the misnomer '"Indian." 

The designation Aborigines is both appropriate and ex- 
pressive. This ancient term is all-sufficient in its different 
forms. It is self-explanatory, and the future will commend 
its exclusive general use to designate generally the earliest 
peoples of all countries, which can readily be distinguished 
by adding the name of the locality or country where found, 
the tribal name, or the characteristic. An appeal is made to 
the able Director, and Corps,of the Bureau of American Eth- 
nology, and to the honored Secretary of the Smithsonian In- 
stitution to expunge the term ' 'Indian" from all their labels, 
and their future Reports, and to employ that of Aborigine in- 
stead. It is pleasing to note how little change such action 
would necessitate. 

There has been much confusion and interchange of 
"tribes" and "nations"; and the unnecessary multiplication 
of tribes does not cease. Much of this confusion and com- 
plexity is a heritage from the early English and French, and 
is too much of a parrot-like i-epetition to be perpetuated. 

The tir^t Europeans found the Aborigines, in the north- 
ern part of America particularly, a rery simple people, in 
language, in names, in desires and aspirations. The com- 
peting Europeans, English and French particularly, sought 
to classify them, to amplify them in every sense for effect, 
to denominate, to apportion coats of arms to, and in every 
way to magnify the importance of minor distinctions. The 
simple Aborigines were transformed by association, and 
amalgamation, with these people from civilized countries, 
and the influences emanating from them- — by possession of 
their metal knives, tomahawks, firearms, improved methods 
of making lire and clothing, by the mental stimulus of con- 
tact, and admixture of blood, as well as by their brandy and 
rum. Complexities multiplied; and these complexities, these 
engiaf tings from other peoples, have been presented to us in 
great amount by writers, often with much fiction of their 
own, as native emanations from the Aborigines. We read 
speeches, attributed to them, that, notwithstanding their 
great poverty of language and their ^'untutored minds", vie 



6o The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



with the most carefully prepared addresses of cultured 
civilized orators. Here is a halo of sentiment and garnish- 
ment by the able "pale face" interpreter, ably assisted by 
the fertile book-writer. As late as the year 1796 Count de 
Volney, a French traveler and writer who traveled through 
the Maumee and Wabash Country, could not find a correct 
literal interpreter of the Miami tongue And still, notwith- 
standing the ignorance of the language and meanings of the 
Aborigines, we are desired to read their alleged "myths" 
set forth in all the flush and finish of the "dime novel!" 
We read of alleged legends embracing the creation of the 
earth, if not the universe, as coming from persons, and 
tribes, who were ignorant of the story of the times of their 
grandfathers! 

Doubtless every tribe of Aborigines had its romancers. 
They gathered some knowledge of the language of the 
nationality with which they associated, and they imbibed 
something of the fabulous stories often told to them. Pe- 
culiar conceptions were obtained by them, also, from the 
efforts of the European religious teachers. As the hunting 
grounds became narrowed and it was no longer necessary to 
skirmish against adverse conditions for food, on account of 
the liberalities of a "paternal government," it Was not strange 
that they followed, though at a distance, their more cultured 
neighbors and visitors into the habit of day-dreaming. 

It is now, at this late date, impossible to analyze, sep- 
arate, and trace to their source the conceptions, beliefs and 
expressions of our existing aboriginal descendants; — to at- 
tempt to weigh the influences, remote and direct, of ten or 
twelve generations of Europeans, of six or more nationalities. 
Much good may result from such efforts, however, if in- 
telligently conducted, with the methods of modern science; 
but, only additional confusion and harm can result from the 
coining of inappropriate and inexpressive terms, and the 
ill-advised increase and continuance of complexities. 

Charles E. Slocum. 



BIOGRAPHIES. 



WARD WOODWARD 

Was born in the town of Sempronius, Cayuga County, New 
York, June 30, 1818, Was married to Fidelia Young of 
Town of Scott, Cortland County, New York, in fall of 1843, 
They resided in his native place until April, 1845, when they 
came to Seneca County, Ohio. In December of that year 
he entered 120 acres of land in Liberty Township, Henry 
County, at ^1.25 per acre. He improved and occupied this 
land for many years. To this couple were born six daught- 
ers, five of whom have grown to womanhoo 1 and married 
well. Some years ago Mr W. sold 40 acres of land and 
bought a home in the village of Liberty Center, where he 
and his wife resided, keeping house by themselves until 
April, 1900, when she died after a brief illness with pneu- 
monia. Since this bereavement Mr. Woodward makes his 
home with one of his daughters, Mrs A . Gr. Matthews, who 
lives with her husband on their far in near Liberty Center. 
Mr, Woodward retains his town home and 80 acres of his 
farm, both of which he now rents, receiving therefrom a 
liberal support. When a young man he learned the trade of 
mill-wright, and carpenter and joiner, to which he has paid 
some attention, connected with his farming, for many years; 
and receni ly he has been more or less engaged in moving 
buildings for the accomodation of the community in which 
he has lived. He still enjoys fairly good health for one of 
his advanced age and entertains himself by visiting his 
daughters in Detroit, Napoleon and near Liberty Center. 
Friendship is mutual between him and all his acquaintances. 
He became a member of the Maumee Valley Pioneer Associ- 
ation several years ago. C. C. Young. 

GEORGE CHRONINGER 

was born September 12, 1818, in Stark County, Ohio. At ma- 
ture age was married to Elizabeth Hinkle of Tuscarawas 



62 The Maumce Valley Pioneer Association. 

County, Ohio, in 1846. They removed to Liberty Township^, 
Henry County, and settled on a piece of land in the dense 
forest, wher6 by dint of management and good health he 
carved out one af the best farms, iu the township. He still 
lives therfe to enjoy it. Ten children wer& born to them, 
seven sons and three daughters of whom live sons and one 
daughter still survive. His wife died October 8, 1899. His 
only living daughter with her husband, live on the farm car- 
ing for her aged father as a dutiful child should do. The 
sons are well to do on their own farms with their families. 
They are all industrious, upright and respected citizens, fol- 
lowing the footsteps of their hanored sire. Mr. Chroninger 
is still in the enjojaiient of excellent health for one having 
passed four score yeai*s with fair prospects of seeing several 
more years to come. He became a member o-f the Maumee 
Valley Pioneer Association several years ago and hopes to at- 
tend more annuals before closing the scenes of mortal life. 

C. C. Young. 



JOSEPH L, KUHN 

was born in Frederick County, Maryland, January 29th,, 
1821. Came to Seneca County, Ohio 1849. December 4th, 
1851, married Mary Foncannon. In 1853 they settled on land 
(almost unbroken forest) near what is now the site of the vil- 
lage of Liberty Center, and, with many other industrious,, 
unswerving and persevering men of that early period, have 
lived to see the efforts of Pioneer life resulting in beautiful,, 
productive farms, as a renumeration for their loyalty and 
hard labor to procure an honorable living. Mr. Kuhn is 
now one of our well to do and independent farmers, adjoin- 
ing the coi*poration of Liberty Center and, with his estima- 
ble wife, has the respect of the whole community. Mr. 
Kuhn has passed his 80th year, is hale and hearty for his ad- 
vanced age. The writer extends his good wishes, and hopes 
for many more years of life to this venerable couple, with 
continued good health. 

C. C. Young. 



BENJAMIN BROWN WOODCOX 

was born near the Maumee River about six miles west of 



Biographies. 6j 

Defiance, 26 March, 1827. His grandfather John, and father 
George B., came to this region from Virginia. The former 
went to Illinois with another son and the latter died near 
Hicksville, Defiance County, in 1876, aged seventy-two years. 
There were thirteen children born to George and Lorinda 
'(Mulligan) Woodcox, three of whom died in infancy. There 
are now two living, Benjamin, and Conrad of Antwerp. In 
the year 1846 Benjamin came to Defiance where he has since, 
nearly continuous!}^ resided. He married 27 February, 1850, 
Mary Elizabeth Southworth, born in Malone, New York, 11 
January, 1831. Her parents came to Defiance about the year 
1842. Seven children were born to Benjamin and Mary 
(Southworth) Woodcox, four of whom are now living, viz": 
Mrs. Ella Bartlett, Toledo; Mrs. Myra Jarvis, Gilbert, Defi- 
ance; and Mrs. Efiie Bott, Los Angeles, California. Mr. W. 
is now probably the oldest native resident of the central part 
of the Maumee Valley. His principal occupation has been 
that of carpenter at which trade he still sometimes works, be- 
ing strong and healthy. For many years his residence was 
near the "old apple tree," regarding which he still likes to be 
■considered the authority. H^i has been a member of this 
Association for many years, attends the meetings often and 
greatly enjoys them. C. E. S. 



SARAH SOHN* 

Sarah Sheely was born in (what is now) Carroll County, 
Maryland, July 27, 1818. Her parents removed to Adams 
County, Pa., in 1823. At the age of 18 she came to Seneca 
County. Ohio. A few years later was married to Andrew 
Sohn. In 1864 they bought and settled on a farm in Wash- 
ington Township, Henry County, where they resided until 
1888. They removed to Liberty Center, where Mrs. Sohn 
still resides. Her husband died April 19th, 1895. No issue 
resulted from this union. Through their kindness and love 
seven needy children were cared for during their married 
life. All honor to their name for the noble act. 

Mrs. Sohn performs the duties of her household She 
is quiet in demeanor and esteemed by all who know her. 

C. C. Young. 



Sf. The Maimtee Valley Pioneer Association. 

ANNA HASKETT 

Was born in Ireland in the year 18 L7. At the age of seven 
years she with her parents came to Kingston, Canada, and 
several years later to Buffalo, New York^ where at the age- 
of 18 she was married to Charles H. Alexander. They re- 
moved to Palmyra, N. Y . , and two years later to Ann Arbor,. 
Mich. , then after two years to Toledo, Ohio. Soon there- 
after they traded their Toledo property for land near 
Liberty (Center which they lost on account of imperfect 
title. Mr. Alexander, being a cooper, built a shop and 
worked at this trade for many years in Liberty Center, buy- 
ing more land adjoining the village. In addition to his 
coopering he did small farming. He and two sons enlisted 
in the Union Army against the Rebellion. One son was 
killed in the service, and he and the other son served their 
full time. Years after the war they went to Kansas where 
they remained one year, then returned to Liberty Center 
where they remained a few years and then removed to 
Arkansas where a daughter soon died and he suffered in 
health. They returned to a daughter's home in Kansas 
where he died. Nine children were born them daring their 
checkered career, five sons and four daughters. One 
daughter and three sons still survive Immediately after the 
death of her husband the widow returned to Liberty Center 
and bought a village home where she now resides at the age 
of eighty-four years, full of ambition. She does her own 
work, and lives comfortably on previous savings and her 
widow's pension. That her life may be extended with good 
health many more years is the wi&h of many friends. 

C. C Young. 



OLIVE R CRUM» 

Olive P. Green was born in Rensselaer County, New 
York, July 3rd, 1818. Her father was a nephew of General 
Green of Revolutionary fame. She is full of the patriotic 
blood of her ancestor's; is a member of the Relief Corps,' 
and is generally regular in attendance at the meetings. She 
moved to Seneca' Co., O., in 1832. In 1838 was united in holy 
wedlock with Hamilton F. Crum. They moved to Putnam 



Biographies. 



65 



County, Ohio, in 1849, and in 1866 moved to Liberty Center 
where they bought property. Mr. Crum followed wagon- 
making and repairing for many years. He was called to his 
eternal rest May 22, 1888, since which time this venerable 
lady has lived a widow, keeping house in her own home un- 
til the present, enjoying a comfortable degree of health for 
advanced age. To them were born six sons and four daugh- 
ters, live of whom, one daughter and four sons survive. 
Henry G. and Wilbur F. fought for the Union in the war 
against the Rebellion, and are still living to witness the good 
results of their patriotism. Mrs. Crum is an honored lady 
and will carry the good wishes of all her acquaintances to her 

final reward. 

C. C. Young. 




THB GREAT APPLE TREE OF DEFIANCE. 
Received Too Late for Insertion on Page 54. 



OBITUARIES. 




DENISON B. SMITH. 

A feeling of sadness comes over us when death takes 
away one whose character and inflaence not only was linked 
with our early history, but w^as actively and impressively 
stamped on the present. And there comes back to mind^the 
presence of the sturdy, manly, and yet genial and courtly 
gentleman of the old school that we knew in our boyhood 
days, and again there comes to us visions of the old open 
hearted and open handed hospitality which was dispensed in 
the pioneer homes. The open fire place with its crackling 
bright burning back log. No life that has gone from us was 



Obituaries. 6j 



more typical of these and all the other phases that marked 
pioneer life than was that of our good friend, Denison B. 
Smith, who died at his home in Toledo June 22, 1901. He 
enjoyed our annual pioneer gatherings, which he attended 
when strength and health permitted. For many years he 
acted as the Association's secretary and on many occasions 
favored us with instructive and valuable papers and ad - 
dresses. His presence spoke the gentleman that he always 
was and his kindly greeting was void of gusto, making all 
who came in contact with him feel that they met a man on 
even terms Emotion makes it difficult to properly speak 
of our late friend. W. C. 



Three years ago Mr. Smith, prepared a sketch of his life 
and experiences as a resident on the banks of the Mauniee for 
a period of nearly sixty-two years. It portrays in a most in- 
teresting manner, the beginning and progress of commercial 
life in this section. It reads as follows: 

"The following reference to the events in m}^ life is 
mainly a record of nearly 63 years residence on the banks of 
the Maumee, and is most naturally grouped with its commer- 
cial growth. My limitations must exclude much, that I should 
take pleasure in writing on this and other topics. 

"My birthplace was Stonington, Conn., October 26, 1817, 
My father and mother were both from old families In that 
part of the State. The former, John Dennison Smith, was 
a desendant of the Rev. Nehemiak Smith, a Presbyterian, 
who came to this country from England in 1650. My mother 
was Grace Billings, whose ancestry were also of the English 
Billings and who emigrated thence about the same timcv After 
marriage, my father was a general merchant until the close 
of the War of 1812^ which unexpected event and a great de- 
cline in values occasioned his financial failure. 

During the year after my birth mj^ parents moved to 
Stockb ridge, Mass. , and commenced the occupation of farm- 
ing. At the age of 11 1 left home for my own support. It 
was a family of thirteen children and farming in: Massachu- 
setts did not correspond in profit with that of the western 
prairies of the present day, and following the almost univer- 
sal custom of the Yankee people some of the boys necessar- 



68 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

il,V left the hive as early as a support could be assured out- 
side of it. My older brother, the late John W. Smith, of 
Dubuque, was then in the dry goods business and salt busi- 
ness at Salina, now Syracuse, N. Y. , in partnership with the 
late Dean Richmond, and it was to this firm as a boy in the 
store that I went in the spring of 1831. Of course this was 
the beginning of my business career. 

"M}^ brother having closed his connection with the above- 
named business in 1834, I was engaged in October of that 
year as clerk by Joseph Slocum, of Syracuse, in a grain and 
forwarding business. This was my introduction to the in- 
land commerce of this country. It was by waj^ of the Erie 
canal. All of my subsequent business life for 64 years at 
the date of this writing, has been identified with this internal 
commerce. I continued in the Slocum ofiice until the latter 
part of March, 1836, when I left Syracuse to join my elder 
and younger brothers at Perrysburg, O., whither both had 
emigrated in 1834. The elder brother, the same with whom 
I commenced my business career had formed a co-partnership 
with John Hollister, of that then growing and thriving town 
of Perrysburg, in a grain and forwarding and vessel-build- 
ing business. I was very soon connected with them as clerk. 
It was fitting that I should again become connected with com- 
mercial pursuits in the internal commerce of this countrJ^ I 
have witnessed its expansion on the lakes, rivers and railways 
of this country from very meager and scanty conditions to 
the greatest inland commerce of the world, and its growth is 
a subject of unending interest to me. 

"At this period of my life — a little before and later — 
events occurred which touch upon the commercial history of 
the Valley, and which may not be uninteresting to a few j^et 
living on or near the river. It is not easy to believe, at this 
period of time, and the present conditions of the commerce 
of the river, that from earlier than 1836 to the completion of 
the Wabash canal in 1843, the commercial traffic of the Val- 
ley was performed at Perrysburg and Miami, and that the 
steamers and sailing vessels at this end of the lake were all 
owned there, with the exception of the steamer Indiana, 
built and owned in Toledo in 1841. Messrs. Hollister and 
Smith were owners of four steamers; two were engaged on 



Ohztuar'iei. ■ 6g 



the route between Perrysburg and Buffalo, and one each to 
Detroit and Cleveland. They built and controlled live sail- 
ing vessels. This fleet, for that period, was a formidable 
•one for principal ownership by one concern. This firm also 
built 300 feet of dock and filled it with earih from the bank 
in the rear of it. This preparation for increased commerce 
iiad in view the completion of the Wabash and Erie and the 
Miami and Erie canals. The steamers were fairly profitable, 
but it was too early a period in the lake commerce for profit* 
able investment in schooners. Anticipation of a great 
:growth of population in the valley, and of a great city as 
the waterway of an immense commerce, constantly outstripped 
the reality, with resulting disappointment, great losses and 
distress. All the towns upon the river were expecting large 
accessions of population and commerce upon completion of 
these public works. Water was the only known commercial 
instrumentalit}^ of commerce at that date, and these canal's 
were on a direct line from the west to the east by the way of 
Xiake Erie and the Erie canals. Public opinion throughout 
the east coincided with our people in anticipating a rapid 
growth somewhere on the river, and all the hotels were filled 
with eastern land speculators eager for investing their money. 
Those rosj^ conditions did not materialize, and the bright hopes 
were obliterated. The firm of Hollister & Smith closed up 
its busiliess unsuccessfully, and all of th« outlay of money at 
Maumee and Perrysburg, public and private, under the an- 
ticipation of compensation from the canals, was a sad disap- 
pointment and failure. Some benefit was derived at Mau- 
mee by the creation of water power by the canal, but noth- 
ing at Perrysburg. 

"Of course the commerce I have referred to was of a 
limited character. It consisted mainly of the merchandise 
from New York for the trading points west as far as Logan- 
sport, Ind. Grain and lumber were imported for supplying 
contractors on the canals. The goods were sent forward by 
teams to the head of the Rapids of the Maumee river, now 
called Grand Rapids, and thence sent up the river in keel boats 
"and pirogues to Fort Wayne, where another portage was nec- 
essary over to the headquarters of the Wabash river, and thence 
down the Wabash to their destination. All this was heroic 



JO The Maumee Valley Pwneer Associafio^r. 

transportation, compared with the facilities of the present 
day. The completion of the^ canals presented to us all a 
striking and pleasing- contrast. 

"I was sent by my employers in October, 1836, to Logan- 
sport, Ind., to collect the money they had paid out for trans- 
porting this' merchandise from New Yoi*k to Perrysburg. I 
was a green boy of 18, and 18 at that age meant less experi- 
ence than at present. 1 was a tenderfoot of the rarest type, 
but I succeeded in accomplishing my mission. The trip was 
performed on horseback, of coui-se, and for much of the 
way through forests without roads'. It consumed ten days in 
reaching Logansport. Between Defiance and Fort Wayne 
the country was very new and wild, but I found shelter for 
man and beast at several log cabins. I am* ashamed that I 
cannot recall the names of the v&ry early and hospitable 
settlers. 

Among the men with whom I came in contact and had 
business with were the Messi's. Samuel Hanna, William* 
G. and Gr. W, Ewing, Allen Hamilton, Cyrus Taber, the 
chiefs of the Miami Nation Godfrey and Richardville, the- 
Edsalls, Hugh McCollough, M. W. Hubbell, Hugh Hanna andi 
others. At Peru, Ind , I attended a public dance in a hotel 
just built where the whites were largely outnumbered by the 
Miami Indians, and where long before morning all original 
distinctive racial developments- were lost in the noisy orgies 
of a disgusting, drunken homogeneity. It was a decidedly 
new revelation to the tenderfoot, I secured a room, but 
without a lock, and left in the bed my saddle-bags containing- 
specie that [ had collected. When I went to retire a big 
Indian was in my bed, I was alarmed for the safety of the 
money and began to arouse the Indian in a rough way, when 
be sprang out of bed brandishing his knife and I went flying 
to the landlord, who came and after explanation I turned in 
with my boots on. 

''On my return to Fort Wayne I had checks upon Hugh 
McCullocb, who was president of a branch of the State bank 
there and who very kindly helped me to so arrange my 
money collections around my bady as to make it safe to carry 
through the rest of my journey home. Mr, McCullough was 
afterwards Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. 



'V'bituaries-, • yj 



"In the following summer at the request of my em- 
ployers I went on board of the steamer Wayne as clerk from 
Au.gust, when she was ready to sail, until the close of navi- 
rgation; but one season^'s experience as a sailor was enough 
tfor me. 

"As I am grouping the history of my life with other 
Siistorical conditions on the river, I can not forbear to briefly 
^comment on the state of society here at that period. Many 
of the older families were genteel, refined and highly con- 
nected. These were supplemented by great numbers from 
the villages and. cities of the east who were people of educa^ 
tion and cultivation. Altogether the society of Maumee was 
;a very pleasant one. But sickness and death soon overtook 
many of the immigrants and many who were spared became 
•discouraged and fled. It was all an immature village growth 
without corresponding agricultural development in support. 
No one sufl'ered from sickness more than myself and repeat- 
edly 1 was near the end and certainly never expected to at- 
tain to my present ripe old age. 

"in June, 1838, and four months before my majority, I 
<^ommenced a little commercial venture for myself at Miami, 
Lower Maumee, where a line of docks and two good ware- 
houses had been built under the high embankments of Fort 
Miami, and which only 26 years previously had been occu- 
pied by the English and Indian forces in their conflict with 
General Harrison. Another warehouse was added and addi- 
tional dockage. My business at Miami consisted in receiv- 
ing and forwarding merchandise to the towns on the river 
above and to Indiana, by the instrumentalities I have before 
described. This business was supplemented by the purchase 
at ('leveland and on the Ohio canal of flour, pork, bacon^ 
whiskey, beans, etc., for the contractors in the construction 
of the Wabash canal. 

"In 1841 I formed a co-partnership with Geo. S. Haz- 
ard, Esq., now of Bufl'alo, and who was then engaged in sim- 
ilar pursuits at the same point. An added element to our 
business was lumber from the St. Clair river and iron, nails, 
glass and tobacco from Pittsburg, all at wholesale, and most 
likely it was the beginning of the wholesale business on this 



J2 The Maiimee Valley Pioneer Association. 

river. Time has wasted all these improvements at Miamiy 
not a single vestige is left. 

"My first marriage occurred July, 184o. with Mary- 
Sophia Hunt, eldest daughter of Gen. John E. Hunt, of 
Maumee. She was the mo her of my children The canal 
into Lafayette, Ind , was completed in the autumn ol' 1843, 
and the discovery of the disadvantages of Maumee in com- 
parison with Toledo led me to dissolve my connection with 
Mr. Hazard, and in the spring of 1844 I commenced a grain 
commission and transportation business at Toledo. .In the 
fall of that year I made a co-partnership with Messrs. 
Bronson and Crocker, of Oswego, purchasing one-half in- 
terest in eight canal boats, horses, etc. Messrs. Bronson and 
Crocker were at that period the leading commercial house 
around the lakes. They were the largest owners of vessels. 
and had commenced building a line of propellers. In the 
winter of 1845-6 Charles Butler, Esq., of New York, built 
for my concern a large warehouse, for that day, at the foot 
of Cherry street. Mr, Butler subsequently built three other 
warehouses at the foot of Cherry street. One of them was 
occupied by Messrs. Field & King, of which our late towns- 
man, C. .V. King, Esq., was the partner. Another was oc- 
cupied by Messrs Brown & King, composed of Matbew 
Brown and F. I. King. Messrs. Field, the Kings and Brown 
are all deceased. Another of the houses was occupied by 
the Cleveland, Toledo & Chicago roads on the corner of 
Water and Oak streets. On the opposite side of Water 
street was a passenger station and Mr. Perry Truaxrwas the 
agent. The cars at that date came down Water street and 
freight and passengers bound east were ferried across to the 
east side station. There is scarcely a vestige left of these 
improvements, while a warehouse built there years previous- 
ly by Judge Mason, between Madison and A dams street, is 
yet standing in fair condition in this year, 1898. There 
were no warehouses or docks between the Mason warehoute 
above described and Cherry street in 1845-6 and it was at 
times a difficult task for boats to reach Cherry street. 

"Gen. Egte't B. Brown, now in Missouri, and myself 
aie the only known remaining grain men of 1844. 

"Richard Mott was the pioneer of that traffic here, and 



Obituaries. yj 



of buildiuo; warehouses. In 1844 and 1845 there were also 

heie in this line John Brownlee, Charles Ludlow and 

Babcock, under the tirni name of Ludlow, Babcock & Brown- 
lee. Mr. Egbert B. Brown, Mr. Mitchel, Peter Palmer, 
Willard Daniels, Harry Eagle and Thomas Watkins came a 
year later, with others whom 1 do not recall. The Kings, 
Matthew Brown, Haskill and Pendleton were early in the 
business, but later than above 

"•My business co-partnership with Bronson & Crocker 
was a successful one. It had grown to the ownership of a 
great line of canal boats and some vessels on the lakes. In 
1848 I purchased their interests. In that year I also pur- 
chased the Premium tlour mill on the locks here, which was 
burned in my possession. The Armada mills are now on the 
same site. In 1 849 the Toledo Board of Trade was organized, 
and I was elected president. Matthew Brown, Jr . was vice 
president. This organization was continued until 1876, when 
the Produce Exchange was organized by its members. 

'Tn 1863 I was elected over a prominent Republican, 
James C. Hall, president of a union league, and presided at 
an immense meeting of our citizens held for the endorsement 
and encouragement of our soldiers at the front. Since 1884 
I have, each winter, been sent to Washington by the citv 
and our exchange in the interest of our harbor and commerce- 
In 1877 I was elected secretary of the Toledo Produce 
Exchange, and since that time my years and services have^ 
been devoted to that organization. In all these 21 years I 
have edited a Dailii Price Current^ which has attained some 
reputation as an authority in grain. 

"In 1845 I was elected a vestryman in Trinity church, 
I since have been an unworthy but stead}^ and sincere sup- 
porter of that church. Of coui-se the advantage from all its 
ministrations has been greatly on my side. I want to finish 
my career in life in Toledo, and as a member of Trinity, and 
may my life "Be like the righteous, and my last end like 
His." Denison B. Smith. 

Toledo Times, June 23, 1901. 



PARIS HUNTINGTON PRAY 

Was born in W^aterville, Ohio, May 5th 1819, his parents 



'J 4 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Associatioti. 

having arrived from Fort St. Mary's on the 24th of June, 
1818. He died at his home in Whitehouse, O., June 24:th, 
1901, of apoplexy, being 82 years, 1 month and 19 days old. 
He had been nearly a continuous resident of this Valley. 
His boyhood days were spent quite in the usual way, attend- 
ing the village school and assisting his father and brothers 
in the various enterprises in which his father was engaged. 
About the time of his arriving at his majority he engaged in 
timbering in what is now Swan Creek Township, Fulton 
County, Ohio November 3, 1847, he married Miss Sarah 
Mullen, at the residence of her sister, Mrs. Harvey Kimber, 
who then resided in Swanton Township of Lucas County. 
The fiftieth anniversary of that marriage was celebrated at 
their home in Whitehouse, November 3rd, 1897, attended 
generally by their relatives and many friends. Soon after 
his marriage Mr. Pray took up his residence in Waterville. 
In 1850 he went to California with a party of acquaintances 
and endured the privations of a miner's life for about one 
year and a half when he returned and went into business 
with his brother-in-law, Mr. James B. Steadden, in a wool- 
en mill in Waterville. At the outbreak of the Rebellion 
in April, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, of the 14th O V. I. 
^nd became 1st duty sergeant. At the close of his enlist- 
ment he took up his business in Waterville. Later he re- 
moved his family to Charlotte, Michigan, then to Quincy, 
Michigan, and engaged in merchandizing. After several 
years in Michigan he returned to Fulton County, Ohio, and 
engaged in farming, and later to a farm in Monclova Town- 
ship, Lucas County; then in Waterville Township; and finally 
he settled in Whitehouse Village some time previous to his 
•death. .Although he was never a member, he was a support- 
er of the Methodist Episcopal church. He became a Master 
Mason at Northern Light Lodge, Maumee in 1858, and later 
changed his membership to Wakeman Lodge, Waterville. 
He was a staunch republican and a patriotic member of the : 
Orand Army of the Republic. By virtue of his being the 
oldest resident of the Maumee Valley the By-Laws of this 
Pioneer Association claimed him as its president and he took 
great interest in the meetings when able to be present. Of 
his father's family of nine children, he left only one, his 



Obituaries. 75 



brother Thomas Pray, of Waterville. Of his own family he 
left a widow, three daughters and one son: Mrs. Wm. B. 
Burnett, Mrs. Lucy Moore, Miss Carlee Pray and John W. 
The funeral was conducted under the auspices of Wakeman 
Lodge F. & A. M. The burial took place at the family lot 
in Waterville. L. 



WILLIAM H. SCOTT. 

William H. Scott, aged To years, eldest son of Jesup W. 
Scott, died at his residence, 2505 Monroe street, Toledo, O., 
March 5, 1901. His death was due to a general breaking- 
down of th& system, but he had been quite ill for two weeks. 
For the last two years he has been unable to attend to active- 
business, and has been confined to his home during the great- 
er part of th& time. 

Mr. Scott leaves a wife and three daughters, his only 
son having died two years ago. Two brothers survive him — - 
Frank J., who is now in Italy, and M. A. Scott of this city. 
With the death of Mr. Scott, Toledo loses one of her most 
substantial citizens, and one who has given liberally to her 
educational interests.. He was active^ engaged with the 
public library and the Manual Ti-aining school, founded by 
his father, and has always taken a deep interest in the devel- 
opment and advancement of the city. , 

Mr. Scott was identified with the real estate " interests of 
Toledo, was a director in a number of corporations and 
banks, and was instrumental in the organization of the early 
street railway lines, 

William H, Scott was born in Columbia, S. C;, in 1825. 
He was the son of Jesup W. and Sarah (Wakeman) Scott. 
He came, with his parents, to the Maumee Valley in 1833, 
and his lived in Toledo the greater portion of the time. His 
father settled in Toledo in 1844, and was for a time editor 
and part owner of The Blade, 

While Mr. Scott has always pursued the real estate busi- 
ness, his mind was devoted largely to the educational inter- 
ests, and he was a firm believer in the future greatness of 
Toledo. His efforts were devoted to beautifying the city 
with an adequate system of parks, and while all of his sug- 



^6 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

gestions were not carried out, many of Ms ideas were adopt- 
ed by the city. One of his pet fancies was the esLablishmenb 
of a boulevard along the line of the old canal through the 
city. 

Mr. Scott devoted considerable of his time to the estab- 
lishment of a free Public Library for Toledo, and the present 
institution is due largely to his early efforts. He served as 
president and as a member of the board of Library trustees 
from 1873 to 1894, and sought by personal attention and con- 
tributions, to place the Library on a proper basis. The Pnh- 
iic Library Mnnua/, issued last year, says of his efforts: 

"Of the members of the board of trustees who have 
honorably and faithfully served the public during these 
years, two, stand conspicuous as early leaders and organizers 
of the movement, and in many years of service. To Mr. 
William Scott and Mr. Charles King the public is greatly in- 
debted for the inauguration and carrying forward of this 
noble work. They were both members of the board of trus- 
tees at its first organization, and continued in the board until 
the year 1893, when by the death of Mr. King, and shortly 
after, the resignation of Mr. Scott, their twenty years of 
valuable service came to an end." 

In the Manual Training school, conceived by his father, 
Mr. Scott found another field for his efforts to advance the 
educational interests of ihe city. He served as president of 
the board of trustees and was greatly interested in tbe i)ro- 
gress of the school. He was identified with educational in- 
terests in other ways, and during the administration of 
Governor Young, was a trustee of the Ohio State University, 
and for seven years was on the board of directors of the 
Ohio Wesleyan University. 

Mr. Scott was married in 1851 to Miss Mary A. Winans, 
of Adrian, Mich.— Toledo Blade, March 5, 1901. 



MRS. CATHERINE JACOBUS BURNETT 

Was born, reared and married in New Jersey (dates not 
known). She, with her husband and two children, came to 
Henry County, Ohio, during the building of the Miami & 
Erie canal. They took up abode adjacent to the work being 



Obzium'zes, yy 



done on this canal and kept a public house for a time. Tiiey 
afterward bouo^ht a piece of land in Liberty Township and 
improved it for a permanent hcmie. Her husband died a few 
years later leaving her with several children whom she 
reared with courage and tact. After several years of 

widowhood she married Burnett, of Whitehouse, 

Lucas County, who died some years ago. Subsequently she 
purchased a home in Liberty Center, whei-e she resided un - 
til her demise, April 2nd, 1901. All but one of her children, 
the oldest, now living in California, preceded her to the 
silent tomb. Mrs. Burnett was noted for her honor and up- 
right character in all her dealings, S^e would pay the last 
cent, if need be, to her own discomfort, a trait that many 
persons might well emulate to their own credit and in justice 
to others. She leaves several grandchildren and many 
friends to mourn the departure of one who was worthy of 
the respect of all. A few more days of life here would have 
given her the advanced age of ninety-one years. 

C. C Young. 



ALFRED A. AYRES 

Born 10 April, 1819, in Preble County, Ohio. 

Died 14 November, 1900. in Detiance. 

His parents came from New Jersey to Preble County in 
1816. Alfred's youth was passed mostly in Warren i "ounty 
and in (yincinnati. In 1810 he went to Texas where he en- 
gaged in farming and stock raising for several years, then 
eng-aged in merchandizing in Houston. He there had ed- 
itorial connection with The Texas Preshyterian in 1848 during 
the prevalence of yellow fever, and he suffered that disease. 
He came to Defiance 1 August, 1849, and soon engaged in 
general merchandizing, continuing for twenty-five years as 
one of the leading business men of this place. He con- 
tributed union articles to the Republican newspaper of De- 
fiance during the War of the Rebellion. He married Clara 
J. Porter 21 January, 1853, at Milian, Ohio. Seven children 
were born to them, four of whom with their mother, sur- 
vive him, viz: John P., of Toledo, Mrs R. H. Graham, La 
Junta, Colorado, Mrs. C. C. Wetmore, Colorado Springs, 



-/S The Maumee Valley Pio7ieer Assomafion: 

and Dey Ayres, Defiance For many years Mr Ayres. suf- 
fered the increasing infirmities of blindness and deafness- 
His demeanor under these afilictions \^-as a valuable illustra- 
tion of patience. He appeared bright and fresh of mind as-, 
long as he could recognize his friends, and wanted to learm 
the latest news so long as- it could be communicated to him. 

^ E,...S.. 



A»-«* ."SSf^., 




LYMAN LANGDON: 

Was born 9^ September, 1800, in South Canton, St. Lawrence 
County, New York. Died 10 August, 1900, on his farm four 
miles northwest of Defiance^ Ohio. The character of this 
nonagenarian is worthy of consideration,, and of imitation. 
Endowed with a bright, active mind his boyhood days were 



Ohilnarie's. 7p 



i^iven to close application to study. He began teaching 
district school near his native place, and continued teaching 
for nine winters. In 1832 he married Miss Fanny Mar}' 
Sanford who Avas born in Bridgeport, Addison County, Ver- 
mont, 7 July, 1811, and who had resided, with her parents, 
some years in South Canton, near his home. In the year 
1835 Mr. Langdon came to Ohio with several neighbors, viz: 
Dr. Oney Rice, John Ric€, E. Lacost and Jacob Gonkey. 
They passed through Cleveland, and thence by wagon, ford- 
ing the Maumee River near the foot of the Rapids and fol- 
lowing the left bank of the river, arrived at Defiance, Octo- 
ber 24th. They soon entered Government land in the pres- 
ent Farmer Township, Defiance (then Williams) County and, 
after a brief sojourn, he started on his ref urn to New York, 
walking to Toledo and there taking boat. The following 
: summer was given to preparations for his removal to Ohio; 
and he again started on the journey, with his wife and child^ 
16 September, 1836. With horses and wagon, accompanied 
by his wife's brother, Seneca A. Sanford, they arrived at De- 
fiance aft«r twenty-two days travel. He did some clearing 
on his eighty acres of land in Farmer Township that fall and 
'25 January, 1837, he opened a tavern (hotel) in the house of 
Payne C. Parker, Defiance. Two years later he purchased 
land at the southeast corner of Clinton and Front streets, 
Defiance, where he continued over two 3^ears to dispense a 
generous hospitality, to lawyers, to canal engineers and pay- 
masters, and to travelers generally, including Aborigines. 
Late in 1841 he sold his hotel and purchased the farm, four 
miles northwest of Defiance, where he remained most of the 
time until his death. In 1852 he built a log house on his 
farm, where he entertained travelers for many years. Mrs. 
Langdon died 3 May, 1890. Ten children were born to them 
the four oldest and the youngest dying in their infancy. 
Five daughters survive him, all married but Lucia who re- 
mained with him to the end. 

He early joined this Association, attended its meetings 
when practicable, and always manifested great interest in his 
fellow pioneers. 

Mr. Langdon's ambitions knew a safe limit. His was a 
pleasant, genial mind that contributed to happiness unmarred 



So The Maumee Valley Pioneer Assoeiation. 

by mad or unwise i"ace for great fortune or political prefer- 
ment. When called, he at different times served his commu- 
nity as Township Trustee, me-mber of the Council, and as 
Associate Judge. During many years he was, thi-ough busi- 
ness, forced into association with many persons possessing 
the vices and bad habits of life, then more general than now. 
He preserved his soul in peace. He withstood all tempta- 
rions and passed into old age clean of habit and untainted by 
duplicity, extortion, and effort to overreach or undermine his 
neighbor. 

His obligations were fully met. 

His was a quiet, unobtrusive life that flowed suc- 
eessf uUy along the pathway of duty, content with what came 
to him by honest effort. 

Charles E. Slocum. 



MRS. ALMIRA BROOKS-COOPER, 

one of the early pioneers of Wood County, died Wednesday 
morning March 12, l^Ql, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. 
Luther Black, on East Wooster street. Bowling Green. The 
funeral was held at the family home at 10 o'clock on the 15 th 
and the remains were conveyed to Waterville for interment 
in the family lot. 

Attorney J. O. Troup, who is an intimate friend of Mrs. 
Cooper, prepared the following tribute to her memoiy: 

Mrs. Almii-a Brooks-Cooper was born in 1812. The 
daughter of a soldier of the Revolution, she felt moi*e than 
ordinary interest in the growth and progi^ess of her country, 
most of which she had witnessed. Her interest in public men 
and public affairs continued unabated to the close of her life. 

Of a thoroughly religious nature, she had an unwavering 
faith and confidence in a personal God who was to her mind, 
a wise and loving "Heavenly Father," and who directs and 
controls the destinies of men and nations for good and for 
good only. It was therefore natural that she should be, as 
she was, always cheerful and optimistic in her views of life, 
both individual and national. She was possessed of a healthy, 
sympathetic mind and to her everything in nature, both ani- 
mate and inanimate, was beautiful. She was a fluent writer 



Obitua ries. 8i 

and often the emotions of her heart found vent in verses 
which have been treasured by her family and friends. At 
times patriotism was her theme. Sometimes the beauties of 
the landscape played upon the sensitive strings of her heart 
and a song of nature dowed from her pen. At other times 
there would be beautiful "songs of hope and faith," of which 
the following, recently written by 'her, is an example: 

My bark of life is floating on the wave 
Into the sea of God's e!:ernal love; 
It never can be stranded by the grave; 
'Twill anchor safe unto the Ro3k above. 

The gentle pilot stoops to watch the boat 
'Be careful, oarsman,' oft I hear him say^ 
The craft is frail, long time it's been afloat^ 
Shun every rock you find along the way. 

And so I calmly ride within my bark 

And sing the songs 'I'm nearer, nearer home. ' 

I hear the heavenly bells, It is not dark. 

And elesus whispering, "Presently I'll come." 

The future life was almost as real to her as the present life^ 
Often the writer has seen her, seemingly unconscious of the 
presence of others, and her face aglow with happiness. It 
seemed to him that she was feasting the eyes of the soul up- 
on some beautiful scene in the "Heavenly land." 

The passing of such as she can leave no regrets. The 
loving smile, the cordial band clasp, will be missed; but the 
thought that the desire of her heart has been accomplished, 
that she has entered upon the life for which she longed, 
brings pleasure to the hearts of many who knew and loved 
her. 

She had two children, James Cooper, who died about 
two years ago, and Mrs. Luther Black, with whom she made 
her home since the death of her husband in 1868. 

This morning, as the dawn of a new day opened upon 
our eyes, the dawn of a still brighter day opened upon her, 
and she welcomed its coming. Although feeling a keen 
interest i'l everything pertaining to the present life, she had 
for a long time been, as the lines above indicate, full of emo- 



82 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

tions and desires so beautifully expressed by Whittier in re- 
lation to his own departure, when he says: 



"I find myself by hands familiar beckoned 

' Unto my fitting place. 

"'Some humble door among Thy many mansions, 

Some sheltering shade where ^-in and striving cease, 
"And flows forever through Heaven's green expansions 

The river of Thy peace. 
"There, from the music round about me stealing, 

I fain would learn the new and holy song, 
"And find at last, beneath Thy trees of healing, 

A life for which 1 loner." 



ANDREW JACKSON RICHARD 

Was born in Alexander, Genesse county, New York, Feb- 
ruary 7, 1817; died February 27, 1891. He leaves a wife, 
«ne daughter and six sons to mourn their loss. 

In March, 1839, he was married to Miss Hannah Rock- 
well, of Chautauqua county, N. Y., to whom 11 children 
were born, eight sons and three daughters. His wife, two 
sons, A. J. and Nathan D., and two daughters, Ellen Grosse, 
wife of Henry Grosse, and Lyda D., who died in childhood, 
preceeded him to the Great Beyond. In September, f 882, 
he was married to Mrs. Mariah Porter, of Bowling Green. 

His death was not unexpected, as he had undergone a 
surgical operation a few days before. Avhich it was found 
necessary to perform that he might get relief from the ex- 
treme suffering which could end only in death His ad- 
vanced age and poor health were against him, and Wednes- 
day morning, February 27, at 8 o'clock he passed quietly to 
eternal rest. 

He had been a resident of this county for nearly 40 
years, during which time he has always been found a true 
and faithful christian, and attending church services, al- 
though for the last five years he could not see to read and 
his hearing was very poor. 

Funeral services were held at the Disciple church, Fri- 



Obituaries. 8j 

day morning, March 1, at 10 o'clock, Rev S. M. Cook, of 
Weston officiating. 

Tlie remains were laid to rest in the Plain church ceme- 
tery. — Wood County Democrat. 



AMANDA WILSON LAMB 

was born in Hoosick, New York, January 27, 1815; was mar- 
ried to Henry R. Lamb at Lansingburg, New York, January 
6th, 1851. They came to Wood County, Ohio, in 1858, 
where her husband soon died. After remaining a widow 
several years she was married second to George V. Lamb. 
In 1866 they removed to Liberty Center. Mr. Lamb built 
the first hotel in this village giving it the name, Liberty 
House, where they accommodated the public until 1874 when 
Mr. Lamb died. The subject of this sketch, being a woman 
of pronounced business tact, kept up the hotel business for 
several years. After disposing of the hotel she bought a 
home on the main residence street of the village, where she 
resided until her demise, April l-tth, 1901. Mrs. Lamb was 
the mother of four children, three of whom preceded her to 
their final resting place. She was esteemed for her executive 
ability and thoroughness of business character in all her un- 
dertakings; doing her house work until one year before 
death. She was thrice stricken with paralysis. Her's was a 
well-rounded life, the memory of which will long linger in 
the minds of many friends and neighbors. 

C. C Young. 



PHILIP PETER. 

Born 19 February, 1820, in Blindersheim, Bavaria. 

Died 12 August, 1900, in Defiance. 

He came to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1840, and to Rich- 
land Township, Defiance County, 2 December, 1849, where 
he engaged in farming until 1879 whon he removed to the 
City of Defiance. He leaves eight children, all by his first 
marriage, viz: John, William, Jacob, Frederick, Albert, 
Adam, Mrs. Caroline Walter and Mrs. Sarah E., wife of 
Svlvester Hull, \iarsball of Defiance. Particulars resfardino- 
his first wife are not in hand. His second wife was the 



^4 The MauTitee Valley Pioneer Association. 

widow of Adam Behrin^er a prominent mechanic who died 
in Defiance, 12 April, 1876, leaving three children, viz: 
Charles Behrinsrer, a present efficient Commissioner of Defi- 
ance County, Andrew, and Adam Behringer, who is now 
Deputy Sheriff. Mrs. Behringer Peter was born Maria Bentz, 
in Steinbockenheim, Hessen, Germany, 12 August, 1835. 
She came to Hackensack, New Jersey, in 1855, and to Defi- 
ance 4 April, 1856. She married Mr. Peter in 1894, whom 
she survived but three and a half months, dying 1 December, 
1900. Mr. and Mrs Peter were sterling characters. He 
was a successful farmer; attended closely to his own affairs, 
and left a good estate. C. E. S. 



ROBERT KINGSTON SCOTT 

aged 76, one of the most prominent northwestern Ohio citi- 
zens, died August 12, 1900, at his home in Napoleon, Ohio. 
Death came like a shock to his communit}^ The Governor, 
-as he was familiarly known, was stricken with apoplexy a 
year and a half previously, but had seemingly recovered. 
During his last ten days his health had been bad, but was 
known only to his medical attendants. 

• Mr. Scott was an ideal citizen, famed as warrior, civil - 
ian and philanthropist. He entered the service in 1861 as 
'lieutenant colonel, and was discharged as major general. 
He was appointed military and twice elected civil governor 
<)f South (^arolina. 

The Scotts were noted in American history for military 
genius, every generation since the revolution being rep- 
resented by military commanders. The last, Capt. R K. 
Scott, Jr., was in command of Company F, Sixteenth — later 
Sixth O. N. G. The deceased was related to General Win- 
field S. Scott and ex-President Harrison's wife. — Toledo 
Times. 



ISAAC NEWTON THACKER, M. D. 

Born 27 January, 1811, in Essex Township, Essex County 
New York. Died 7 January, 1901, at Defiance, Ohio. When 
he was five years of age his parents removed to Clermont 



ObiWiaries. 8^ 



Count}^ Ohio where he grew to manhood. At the age of 
twenty he began the study of medicine with a cousin, Dr. 
John Thacker, who was in practice at Gos'^en, his home 
County. He married there Miss Lydia Haywood, 21 No- 
vember, 1833. In the year 1840 he was graduated Doctor of 
Medicine by the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, and he 
soon began the practice of his profession in Morrowtown, 
Warren County, Ohio, where he remained about fifteen 
years. He removed to Defiance in 1853, in and near which 
city he continued his profession, excepting a year or two 
passed at Hiawatha, Kansas, until the infirmities of age com- 
pelled respite. Four sons and two daughters were born to 
Mm from his first marriage. Three of these sons became 
physicians, viz: William H., who died come years ago in 
Denver, Colorado; Ludwell G., whose obituary follows, and 
Isaac N. Jr., who died in Mexico. The father was left a 
widower many years ago. About thirty years since he was 

again married to Miss St. Clair, and one son, Jacob, 

was born of this union, who, with his two half-sisters, sur- 
vive. Doctor Thacker enjoyed a large practice during his 
vigorous years; and who among us can fully estimate the de- 
grees of exposure, hardships and dangers attending mam^ of 
Ms long-distance rides by night and in times of flood through 
the new and thinly settled country, often along mere trails 
through the woods! * 



PETER MILLER, 

a well known former farmer in Oregon Township, Lucas 
County, died March 12, 1901, at the home of his 
daughter, Mrs. Eli Keifer, 1921 Superior street, Toledo. He 
was past 93 years old, had been blind and deaf for five years, 
and bed-fast since last June. 

Mr. Miller was born in Germany February 22, 1808. 
He served in the German armv for two years under Prince 
Otto, came to America in 1837, and lived in Boston about 
four years. He then came to Bowling Green, living there 
some 14 years, when he moved to Oregon Township, where 
he has since lived. He married Catharine Boos in Boston. 
He enlisted in 1861 in the 67th O. V. L, and was the first 



86 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Associatioir. 

vetei*an to re-enlist in the 67th O. V. I. He served throug-b 
the war, and was mustered out in the fall of 1865. Although 
the oldest man in the regiment, h& came through without a 
wound. He was the father of five^ children, grandfather of 
fourteen and great gi-andf ather of five. Of the fi^ve children- 
three are living — ^Fred Miller, who lives in Oregon Township ;- 
Mrs. Charles A. Skeldon and Mrs. Eli Keifer, rrsiding va. 
this cit}^ — ^Toledo Blade. 



LUDWELL GAINES THACKER, M. D. 

Born 29 April, l8-4:>, at Rochestej-, Clermont County.^ 
Ohio. 

Died 20 June, UH)!, at Defiance, Ohio, 

His home had been in Defiance most of the time since 
185:L 

He was^ graduated Doctor of Medicine by the Bellevue 
Medical College, New York, Class cf 1866. January 26^ 
1869, be married Miss Ann K, daughter of the late Calvin L. 
Noble, a pioneer in Defiance and Paulding. Mra. Thacker 
and two daughters survive him , He was a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and of the various Masonic 
bodies at Defiance. He had been in poor health for several 
years and, with an aitack of influ< nza, his pulmonary af- 
fection deepened During the several months of his last con- 
finement to the house he continued anxious to die. He re- 
ceived a deep and broad sympathy. * * 



GEORGE WASHINGTON BECHEL 

Was the second child of Michael and Elizabeth (Grabast) 
Bechel, the first born in Alsace, and the second in Bavariay 
Germany. In 1830 and 1831, respectively, they came to 
Canton, Ohio, where they were married, and where George 
was born 13 June, 1838. His father died in 1846. George 
came to Defiance 8 October, 1^60, and at once entered a 
drug store as a clerk for his relative. Dr. J, Ruhl. Septem- 
ber 3, 1861, he married Catherine, daughter of William and 
Susan (Krum) Smith, of Ionia County, Michigan. Eight 
children were born to them, viz: William M., Elizabeth, 
often called Lee, Frank and Fred, twins, who died in child- 



Ohiiuaries. 8j 



Ihood, Delia K., John A., Lucy, aud George W. who died at 
about the age 21 ^^ears. In 1868 Mr. Bechel purchased the 
drug store of his employer, and continued in that line of 
business until near the time of his last sickness. His death 
occurred in Defiance 2 November, 1900. Mr Bechel 
staniped his personality upon all of his affairs His home 
was a center of charming social life. Aside from the social 
phase, he will be longest remembered by the community on 
account of his labors for the beautiful Riverside Cemetery, 
the adornment of which was largely due to his care. 

S, 



ISRAEL SCOTT 

While operating two large circular saws one above the other, 
■was caught by them and instantly killed July 18, 1901, at 
Ayersville, Defiance County. Mr. Scott was born in the 
State of New York 20 August, 1830. About the year 1866 
he came, by way of Cincinnati, to Ayersville where he es- 
tablished the large sawmill in which his life was so suddnely 
destroyed. He was a thorough Ijusiness man with whom 
.people liked to deal. He was a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal church, was honest, industrious economical, pru- 
dent in management, and, of course with these virtues, he 
was successful. He was a thoroughly good, all-around mill- 
man — and as usual, it was the experienced man who suffered 
'^ 'accident." He was in vigorous health, and active for a 
man of seventy yeai-s. The community will no': forget the 
shock they experienced from his tragic death, nor soon re- 
cover from his loss. He leaves his worthy helpmate, and 
three children, Edward, Mary and Laurina, the latter a 
teacher of music in a Cincinnati institution. 

C. E. S. 



WILLIAM PHILLIPS 

Died 18 September. 1900, at his farm on the right, east, 
bank of the Auglaize River, four miles south of Defiance. 
His 80th birthday anniversary was celebrated 29 August, 
1900. He came to Defiance from southern Ohio in 1855 and 
in 1856 married a daughter of the late pioneer, Samuel Kep- 



S'8' The Mauvtee Valley Pioneer Assocmtzon. 

I'er. Eight children were born to them, seven of whom still 
live within a few miles of their mother's, homestead. There 
are. also^ nineteen grand children and four great grand 
children. He was a member of tne Methodist Church, a 
staunch Republican in politics and a highly respected citizen 
for his- good habits- and sterling worth , 

C E. S. 



JOHN A. MOORE 

one of Toledo'^s pioneer business meu, passei away Decem- 
ber 27, 1900, after a brief illaess of pneumonia. He woald 
have been 85 yeare old had he lived until the following March. 
Besides his wife he leaves five children — ^John A. Moore, Jr. . 
of Chicago; Mrs. M. Frost, of Tiffin; George Moore, Mre. T„ 
G. Cronise and Mrs. Frank T. Lane of Toledo. Only re- 
cently Mr, and Mrs. Moore celebrated thi er sixtieth wedding- 
anniversary. He was interred in Woodlawn Cemetery. 

Mr. Moore was born in Westbrook, Conn., in 1816, and 
at the age of 10 went behind the counter in his father'^s dry 
goods &tore» Ten years later he was taken with the west- 
ern fever, and came to Ohio, settling in Maumee, where he 
formed a partnership with Mr. George Spencer. His mer- 
cantile career was success^ful from the start, but in '57, see- 
ing that Toledo was to be the big city of the Maumee valley^ 
he removed here and with his brothers- Charles A. and A. 
C. Moore — opened a dry goods store under the firm name of 
Moore Bros. Toledo was then a city of 13,000 inhabitants,, 
and had but three railroads — the Lake Shore, the Toledo, 
Wabash & Western and the Dayton & Michigan.. The store 
was located on the west side of Summit street, between 
Monroe and Jefferson. In '64, Charles Moore retired from 
the firm, and in '78 Alfred severed his connection, leaving 
Mr. Moore sole proprietor. Two years later, he disposed of 
his stock and retired from active business. 

When George W. Davis took an interest in the old Ma- 
rine Bank in the early sixties, he induced Mr. Moore to go 
in with him and when the bank was reorganized as the Sec- 
ond National in 186-1 Mr. Moore was one of the original sub- 
scribers to the capital stock and was elected on the directory, 



Obituaries. Sg- 



a position he has held ever since. In '92, when Frank I. 
King-, vice president of the bank, died, Mr. Moore was chos- 
en to till tha vacancy. 

Mr. Davis was much affected when told of the death of 
his long-time friend and business associate. 

Cashier C. F. Adams, of the bank, said: Mr. Moore 
was a man of most remarkable judgment and eminently fair 
in his dealings with overyone. Of late years, of course, he 
has not been so active, but we always looked upon him as a 
wise counsellor and a safe, conservative business man. While 
he had decided views, he was one of the most modest and re- 
tiring men I ever knew, and never undertook to obtrude his 
opinions. When asked for them, however, he freely gave- 
them, and I cannot, remember that he was ever wrong." 

Mr. Moore was formerly a director of the Merchants' 
and Clerks' Savings Bank, and assisted in the organization of 
the Union Savings Ba,nk. Daring the pipe line fight, he was 
a member of the sinking fund commission, in which connec- 
tion he rendered the city valuable service. — Toledo Blade,. 
December 28, 1900. 



MRS. CATHERINE JOHANNA GEIGER 

Was born, with maiden name Koerner, 21 May, 18-12, in 
Wurtemberg, Germany, and was brought to America in 1853,. 
and soon thereafter to Defiance by her older brother Gottlieb 
Koerner. May 20, 1859, she married Christian Geiger at 
Defiance, where they continuously afterward resided. She 
died 22 June, 1901, after long and severe suffering from a 
complication of diseases. Mrs, Geiger was a member of the- 
German Methodist Episcopal church, and her Christian char- 
acter was earnest, real, and a great comfort to herself, to her 
husband and family, and to all her acquaintances. She was 
the mother of ten children of whom two died in their infancy 
and the following are now living, viz: Mre. Catherine Kahlo, 
William Geiger, an enterprising furniture manufacturer, 
Mrs. William Will of San Antonio, Texas, Mamie, Bertha,. 
Amanda, Clara and Esther. 

Mr. Geiger is also a native of Wurtemberg, born in 
Geislinger 15 February, 1836; and has resided in Defiance 
since 25 February, 1854. He has been a successful furniture 



go The Maumee Valley Pionee r Association. 

manufacturer, and is a thoroughlj^ loyal American. His 
home, presided over by his worthy helpmate, has been a cul- 
tured center, graced and charmed by the fine arts of music, 
drawing and painting, in which several of their daughters 
have been proficient. Although the mother's personal pres- 
ence will be greatly missed, her high character will ever live 
in the homes of her children, benign and serene, a perpetual 
benediction. 

C E. S. 



JOSIAH ALBION 

aged 87 years, died Oct. 25, 1900, at his farm home on Cen- 
tral avenue, Toledo. His demise was from old age. He 
leaves two sons to mourn his departure, his wife having pre- 
ceded him to the unknown land three years ago. 

The portrait of elosiah Albion stands out strongly in the 
gallery of Lucas county pioneers. He was widely known, 
an upright and honest man, a typical representative of the 
hardy class of men who made the county one of the first in 
the state. 



GEORGE KNAUSS. 

At his residence north of Bowling Green, died, 18 Aug- 
ust, 1900, George Knauss, after a long and painful sickness. 
He was one of the pioneers of Wood county, and was one of 
the most successful of farmers. He was born in Germany 
in 1830, and came to this countrv 18 years later. Resettled 
-soon after his marriage in 1852 in Medina Caunty, a'ld two 
years later came to Wood County with his father He 
worked two years for his father and received as a cnmppn- 
sation 33^ acres of land. He erected a log house on this 
and began clearing it up nights, working for others for 
wages during the day. A little later he rented some prairie 
land and planted it to corn. The fertility of the soil pro- 
duced a large crop of corn and he netted <^600 on the ven- 
■ture> 

This gave him a start, and he gradually accumulated 
land and property till at the time of his death he owned 500 
acres of well tilled lands. He fitted up his house with all of 



Obifiiaries. gi 



the conveniences found in oity homes, providing a private 
water works plant and drillino; a gas well for his own use. 
He was the father df ten children, all of whom, save one. are 
living. 

Mr Knau&s during his life found time to assist in push- 
ing several public improvements to a successful issue. A 
stone pike between Bowling Green and Perrysburo- is one of 
the improvements which he was instrumental in getting 
through 



NATHAN GILLELAND JOHNSON A. B., LL. B. 

B rn 15 Ju'y, IS^H, near West Liberty, Logan County, 
Ohio. 

Died 20 December, 1900, a' Defiance where he had re- 
sided since 1878. He was graduated bachelor of arts at the 
Ohio Wesleyan University, ('lass of 1869, and bachelor of 
laws in 1871 at the ''incinnati Law School. He gave some 
attention to farming, but his principal time was given to the 
practice of law, having an attorney's office at the time of his 
death which was sudden an unexpected. In addition to his 
widow, three children survive him. viz: I a, Mrs. Ed. C- 
Scott of Aberdeen, and Titus of Defiance. 



GEORGE WALDVOGEL 

last survivor of the Mexican war in Lucas County, died at 
his residence on Vinton street, Toledo, March 13, 1901. He 
was born in Switzerland, Canton Schaffhausen, on June 9, 
182T, and emigrated to this country in '47 locating in Toledo. 
He enlisted on December 1, of that year, at Detroit, in the 
United States army and served under General Winfield Scott 
in the Mexican War. Be was mustered out in August, 1848. 

Deceased leaves a wife and seven children — Mrs. G. B. 
Eckhardt, Mrs. Lena Barth, George A. Waldvogel, Mrs. 
Lizzie French, Mrs. Amelia Schneider, Mrs. Martha Wechtel 
and Edward Waldvogel, all of Toledo except Mi*s. French, 
whose home is in Vancouver, Washington. 

On June 9 last, Mr. and Mrs. Waldvogel celebrated their 



^2 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



golden wedding, and the event was highly enjoyed by all 
present.— Toledo Blade, March 13, 1901. 



JOHN R. WILHELM 

Born 28 July, 1848. 

Died 6 December, 1900. 

He married Miss Agnes Marantette 7 November, 1877, 
at Mendon, Michigan, who survives him with six children, 
viz: Frances, Carl, Walter, Donald, De Nell, and Edmund. 
Mr. Wilhelm was born near Defiance and nearl}^ all his life 
was passed in this city. He early went into the Defiance 
flour mills with his father, Adam Wilhelm, succeeded to their 
management and so continued until June, 1900. Later he 
made some fortunate investments which have increased the 
holdings of his estate. He was a member of the Catholic 
church. He moved in the upper circles, and his death, which 
came sudden and unexpected, was a great shock to the com- 
munitv. 



HENRY B. LAUTZENHEISER, 

a pioneer of Lucas County, died suddenly at his home, 1053 
West Woodruff avenue, Toledo, June 12, 1901. He was 
stricken with apoplexy during the day, and lived but a few 
liours. Mr. Lantzehheiser was born in Bucyrus in 1829, and 
went to Napoleon in 1866, where he founded the Napoleon 
Woolen mills. About thirty years ago he removed to Mau- 
mee, where h« built the Maumee Woolen mills, which, in 
company with his brother, Aaron, he conducted until about 
seven years ago. For the past six years he has been in 
charge of a branch store of the Minneapolis Flour Company 
at Detroit. During !iis twenty-five 3^ears residence in Mau- 
mee he served two terms as mayor, and was for a number of 
years a member of the school board. He was a staunch Re- 
publican, and always an active worker for the party. He 
^vas a member of Northern Light Lodge, F. & A. M. for 
thirty years, and was secretary and treasurer of the lodge 
for a great many years. 

He leaves a wife and eight children, all prominently 



Obituaries. pj 



''known here. His daughters are Mrs. Harry Fallis, Mrs. 
Judson Palmer, of Findlay, Mrs. James Knowlton, Miss 
Oertie and Miss Hattie Lautzenheiser. His sons are Harry 
JLautzenheiser, of Rochester, N. Y., who is in the city at 
present, and Messrs. Frank and Jay Lautzenheiser, of this 
icity- — Toledo Blade., June 14, 1901. 




DEATH NOTICES, 



ANDERSON, MtiS. MARY. Died 7 Feburary, 1901, 
aged 82 years. Was buried at Monclova. 

BEIBEU, NICBOLAS. Born 10 May, 1800, died 6 Feb- 
Tuary, 1901, in Toledo where he first came in 1854- 

BELDEN, MRS. MARY, widow of Cyrus, of Toledo. 
Died at Norfolk, Va., 11 July, 1901. 

BENSCHOTER, W, A., a pioneer of Wood County; 
■died 29 December, 1900. 

BLODGETT, MRS. ELIZA, died at her home on Madi- 
son Street, Toledo, 5 October, 1900, Resided in Toledo 
since 1844. 

BROWN, W. 0,, died 5 March, 1901, aged 78 years. 
Resided in Toledo 56 years. 

CHASE, MKS. EUNICE G., widow of Dr. Chase, for- 
merly of Manhattan, died at the home of her son George, 25 
March, 1901, aged 91 years. 

COMSTOCK, R. C, died 11 January, 1901, aged 83 
years. Resided in Wood County 52 years. 

CRANE, MRS. MARY A., widow of Charles A., died 
at her home on Miami Street, Toledo, 12 January, 1901. She 
was a long time resident of Toledo. 

CRAVENS, DR. CHARLES, died in Toledo 16 Febru- 
ary, 1901, aged 79 years. 



gyf The Mattmee Valley Pioneer Association. 

C ROM LEY, REBECCA, a long- tim& resident in Putnam- 
County, died 7 January, 1901, aged upwards of 80 years. 

DOWiVS, DR. SAMUEL, long- a. resident of Waterville,. 
died at Ellsworth, Kansas, 18 September, 19G1- 

EMrfT U AUSE N , BEN li Y , died 3 Januaiy , 1 901 , aged 
90 years, T months and 19 days. He lived in Toledo over 50^ 
years. 

GRANGER, HARRIET K., widow of Fmncis, died ^ 
January, 1901, aged near 81 years. 

HARRISON, GENERAL BENJAMIN, ex-President of . 
the United States, grandson of General, and ex-President, 
William Henry Harrison, died 13 March 1901, agsd 68 years. 

HOSHACK, JOHN H,, a native of Bohemia, died 3 
Febraary, 1901, aged 8T years. He resided many years in 
Adams Township, Defiance, County. 

LAUGHLIN, MRS. ELIZA, relic of William, died 20 
September, 1900, at her home on Broadway, Toledo, aged 
85 years. She came to Toledo in 1846. 

LISTERMAN, MRS. LOUISE, died at her home near 
New Bavaria, Henry County, ^3 July, 1901, aged 84 years. 
She was a twin with Mrs. VVilhelmina Mueller who preceded 
her in death but a few weeks^ at Defiance. They were born 
in Germany and came many years ago to the Maomee- 
Valley. 

LONG^ REV. J AMES, died 4 October, 1900v at Weston^ 
aged 80 years. He was a minister in Wood County 50» 
years. 

METZ, DAVID, died 21 November, 1900, in Adams 
Township, Defiance County, aged 7S years. 

MILLER, PETER, died 12 February, 1901, in Oregon 
Township, Lucas County, aged 92 years. He came to this 
Valley 50 years ago. He was the oldest man enlisted from 
Waterville Township in the 67 0. V. L, in the great War 
against the Southern Rebellion. 

OSBORN, MRS. CATHERINE, died 21 November, 
1900, near Jewell, Defiance County, aged 89 years. 

OWEN, MRS EMELINE. a long time resident of Mau- 
mee, died 2 January, 1901, aged 82 years. 



Ohituaries. 95 



RAPP, BENIAMIiM P., died at Defiance 18 September, 
at the age of sixty-seven years, four months and five days. 
He was born in Chester County, Pa. He was formerly 
minister in the Christian church. He left three children: 
William A., Mrs. George W, Marcellus, and Grace. 

REC AMBER, JOHN F., died 13 January, 1901. He re- 
sided in Toledo and vicinity over 50 years. 

SEENEY, J. R., died 22 March, 1901, after a residence 
in Toledo of 28 years. 

SPANGLER, MRS. ANNA, died 24 January, 1901, 
aged 89 years; a resident of Maumee over 50 years. 

STANLEY, MRS. ANNA R., died 24 January, 1901, at 
Maumee where she lived 69 years. Age 89 years. 

SULLIVAN, CORNELIUS, died 21 September, 1900, at 
the home of his daughter on Division Street, Toledo. He 
was born 10 May, 1799, in County Cork, Ireland, and came 
to Toledo 32 years ago. Age 101 years. 

TIM PA NY, MRS CAIHAMAE, widow of Doctor Rob- 
ert, died 16 January, 1901, at Toledo. Age 65 years. 

VERNEIi, NATBAN, died 26 March, 1901, at his home 
in Auglaize Township, Paulding County, where he had lived 
over 40 years. 

WARNER, MARTIN, died 15 October, 1900, near 
Tontogany, where he lived many years 

WARNER, MRS, MARY A., died 21 January, 1901, 
aged 88 years, 9 months. A resident of Toledo over 50 
years. 

W I RTZ, JOHN, died at Bowling Green 23 January, 
1901, aged 80 years. A long time resident of Wood County. 

WOLF, GEORGE W., died 21 January, 1901, aged 73 
years. He was born in Germany and came with his parents 
to Pleasant township, Henry County, about 6 1 years ago. 
He was a prosperous farmer, _ a member of the German 
Methodist Episcopal church near his farm near Pleasant 
Bend. 



THE OHIO SOCIETY, SONS OF THE AMER- 
ICAN REVOLUTION. 

ITS OBJECTS AND HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER. 

By B. G. McMECHEN. 



The meinbei'S of this oi^g-anization are frequently asked 
the question, "What are the objects of your Soci&jy and how 
will I be benefitted if I become a memberr ?" 

There are many g'ood reasons why all men eligible to- 
membership in the Sons af the American Revolution should 
join the organization, but as the space for this article is limi- 
ted we will mention a few of these i*easons. 

First. "The Society encourages a revival of public in- 
terest in the men, incidents and measures of the American 
Revolution, now often forgotten in the pressure of modern 
life." 

SECom). "It encourages the spirit of disinterested ser- 
vice for the whole country by preserving from oblivion the 
public service of a member's own ancestors. " 

Third. "By celebrating- the important events of the 
Revolution, it recalls to memoiy the objects of that struggle 
and the principles for which our forefathers fought, as em- 
bodied in the Declai-ation of Independence, the Constitution^, 
of the United States, and Washington's farewell address." 

Fourth. "To the youth of the families of members it 
teaches lessons drawn from the heroism and self-sacrifice of 
their own ancestors, which cannot fail to make them better 
citizens." 

Fifth. "It presences family traditions and records,, 
priceless in value, to general history." 

Sixth. "In the original thirteen States, it leads to the 
marking of battlefields, routes of march and historic sites, by 
monuments and tablets, and to the preservation of historic 
buildings from destruction." 



Ohio Society^ Sons of the American Revolution, gj 

Seventh "In each of the newer States it not only pro- 
motes the celebration of the anniversaries of the Revolution, 
but also secures a yearly celebration of the anniversary of 
the admission of the State into the Union." 

Eighth. ''It encourages the difi'usion among our fel- 
low citizens of foreign birth of a better understanding of the 
principles of free government, and greater love for their 
adopted country." 

Ninth. "It brings together in friendly relationship 
the nun of the North, the South, the East and the West." 

The Society is non-political and n(m-sectarian and 
politics or sectarian matters a; e never allowed to be dis- 
cussed at any of the meetings. 

Any person may be eligible to membership in this So- 
ciety who is a male above the age of twenty-one years, and 
is lineally descended from an ancestor who assisted in es- 
tablishing American Independence during the War of the- 
Revolution, either as a military or naval officer, a soldier or 
a sailor, an official in the service of any of the thirteen 
original colonies of the United Colonies or States, or of 
Vermont, a member of a Committee of Correspondence or 
of Public Safety, etc., or a recognized patriot who rendered 
material service in the cause of American Independence. 

Blank forms for application to membership in the 
Anthony Wayne Chapter of the Ohio Society, S. A. R., will 
be furnished by the Registrar, Mr. Frederick J. Flagg, 
whose office is in the Valentine Building, Toledo, Ohio. 
The applications are made out in triplicate form and will be 
forwarded by the Secretary of Anthony Wayne Chapter to 
the Secretary of the State Society and by him to the Secre- 
tary of the National Society. The entrance fee is $3.00 and 
the annual dues $2 00. 

In the application is set forth the line of descent f rom^ 
and the service rendered by the ancestor through whom 
eligibility is claimed, together with a memorandum of the- 
authority for the statement of service and an affidavit as to 
the line of descent, etc. Supplemental application blanks- 
are furnished when it is desired to claim eligibility throngb 
more than one ancestor, but no charge is made for filing 
supplementttl applications. 



^8 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 



The applicant for membership should know the State 
from which his ancestor served and if not possessed of other 
necessary information said information may be obtained by 
addressing letters to the followins:: 



Connecticut, 

Delaware, 

Georgia, 

Maine, 

Maryland, 
Massachusetts, 



A dj utant-General, 
Secretary of State, 
Secy. Historical Society, 
Bureau of Industrial and 

Labor Statistics, 
Comr. Land Office, 
Secy, of Commonwealth, 



Hartford. 

Dover. 

Savannah. 

Aaofusta. 



New Hampshire, Secretary of State, 



New Jersey, 
New York, 
Pennsylvania, 
Rhode Island, 
Vermont, 
Virofinia, 



Ad j utant- Gen er al , 
Ad j utr nt- General, 
State Librarian, 
Secretary of State, 
Adjutant-General, 
W. G. Stanard, 



Annapolis. 
Boston . 
Concord. 
Trenton. 
Albany. 
Harrisburg. 
Providence. 
Montpelier. 
Richmond. 

If the ancestor was an officer in the Continental Line 
(the Regular Army of the Revolution) conf^ult "Heitman's 
Historical Register of the Officers of thie Continental Array," 
which contains the records of about nine- tenths of the officers 
of the line and a few militia officers. 

If the ancestor was a Civil Officer, Member of the Legis- 
lature, Congress, State Council. Committees of Safety, Cor- 
respondence, Inspection, etc., during the War, consult au- 
thentic histories or address the Secretary of State of the 
State in which the ancestor resided. 

Anthony Wayne Chapter is in a very flourishing con- 
dition at the present time, having an active membership of 
about eighty. The present officers are: 
Benson G. McMechen, President. 
Jessie Sission, First Vice President. 
James Austin, Jr., Second Vice President. 
Frederick J. Flagg, Registrar. 
J. Lee Richmond, Secretary. 
Oliver B. Snell, Treasurer. 
Charles C. Dawson, Historian. 
Any of the above officers will be pleased to furnish 



Ohio Society^ Sons of the American Revolution, gg 

applicants for membership with information that will assist 
them in tilling out the necessary blanks 

The social features of Anthony Wayne Chapter have 
been exceedingly pleasant and instructive and we welcome 
all men in good standing who are eligible to membership. 




THE MAUMEE RIVER, ITS VALLEY AND ITS BASIN. 

By DR. CHARLES ELIHU SLOCUM. 



The Mamnee is a young river, in point of geologic time. 
At the resting of the glacier at the moraines on the left bank 
of the River St. Joseph, and the right bank of the St. Mary,. 
and with the cantinued melting of the ice, those rivers in- 
creased in size and poured their waters southwest of Ft, 
Wayne ta and through the Wabash River. With the con- 
tinued dissolving of the ice, a lake, the Mauniee Glacial Lake, 
was formed between those moraines and the disappearing Ice. 
This lake found new outlets and, subsiding, the Rivers St. 
Joseph and St. Mary began to find outlet into this lake; and 
with this beginning, small and varsdng at first, the Maumee 
River had its origin. It continued to follow the receding 
lake until the waters of its successor, the present Lake Erie, 
was established. 

The Maumee River Basin — the territory within the 
watersheds draining through the Maumee River,— includes 
all the regions that are drained into the Maumee River 
through other streams as well as the lands di-ained directly by 
the Maumee River; in other words it includes the Maumee 
Valley and the valleys of all the other streams the waters of 
which immediately and remotely, through other streams, de- 
bouch into the Maumee. 

The land contiguous to and immediately drained by the 
Maumee River, that is, the Maumee Valley proper, is not of 
great extent. The portion in Indiana has been computed at 
151 65-100 square miles, and in Ohio at 1,103 96-100, making 



■100 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

a total area of but 1,255 51-100 square miles. The extent of 
the Maumee Kiver Basin has been computed at 6,344 square 
miles, embracing 4,702 square miles in Ohio, 1,303 in Indiana 
and 839 in Michigan. 

The river system of this Basin is peculiar in arrange- 
ment, as the result of the conformations of glacial moraines 
and the beaches of the glacial lakes and bays. 

The drainage system is composed of the following named 
eight rivers, beginning with the upper, viz: The St. Joseph, 
■St. Mary, Tiffin, Ottawa, Blanchard, Little Auglaize, the Au- 
glaize, and the Maumee. There are, also, several large 
creeks emptying into each one of these several rivers. 

The waters of these several streams are seldom clear, 
except at the more sandy and gravelly sources. Like all 
streams flowing through fertile soil, the waters contain more 
or less of the constituents of their beds and shores, and the 
color of the water is varied thereby. In wee seasons the tur- 
bidity is very prominent, while in dry seasons the water be- 
comes quite clear through sedimentation. 

Although the bed of many of the streams is eroded, in 
part, to and into the native limestone, the waters are not so 
"hard", that is, the percentage of lime and other earthly 
salts is not so great, as in the water of wells; and the river 
water when free from direct organic pollution, and is well 
mtered, affords a pleasanter, and a safer, potable water 
than is obtained from wells. 

In these days of numerous railroads which afford rapid 
■and easy means of travel, it is difficult to realize the import- 
ance of these rivers as highways of travel and communica- 
tion to the Aborigines, and to the pioneer Europeans. It has 
been estimated that at least nineteen-twentieths of all move- 
ment from place to place in early times was by way of the 
water courses. The proportion was even greater in this 
"Black Swamp" region. The river regions were \\xq. first 
-entered and explored by Europeans, and the larger streams 
were ranged along for a period of over one hundred and 
fifty years before the more inland regions were well explored. 
The Maumee and Auglaize were the principal thoroughfares, 
•while the St. Mary, St. Joseph and Tiffin ranked next in im- 
portance in the order named. 



The Manmee River ^ Its Valley and Its Basin. loi 

Trails were well worn along the river banks, while floats 
land canoes of various sizes and forms afforded means of 
transportation on their waters. Many styles of lighter craft 
have been used on the Maumee and its tributaries. Rafts, 
hastily made of dead timber held together by withes, were 
often used by both Aborigines and Europeans in early times. 
There were but few keel boats made. Light batteaux, flat of 
Tjottom and not very wide, were the best of the larger boats 
i'or general use, particularly in low stages of water. Bark 
■caTioes were in use by the Aborigines when flrst visited by 
Europeans; and some of them were fair appearing and ser- 
viceable craft although made by means of stone and bone 
tools. Metal tools, brought by the Europeans, gave great 
impetus to the ingenuity and ability of a few of the Abori- 
gines, and added greatly to the shapeliness and serviceable- 
ness of their river craft. The French were good boat build- 
ers; and the early British were unexcelled in boat, making 
and boat using. No birch was found along the Maumee, and 
■canoes made of such bark came from the north. Elm bark, 
here abounding, was much emploj^ed, also hickory bark. 
Bark canoes were sometimes large enough to carry ten or more 
persons. This stjde of boat declined after the War of 1812, but 
continued to be of some use until the Aborigines were removed 
to western reservations. Pirouges were introduced by the 
French. They were at first made from old hollow logs. The 
Aborigines may have, at first, cut, hollowed and shaped the 
logs by fire controlled by wet clay. These boats from logs 
were better than those from bark to withstand the rapids and 
the rocks. They were often of large size, sixty, seventy, 
and even more, feet in length. The larger ones were, later, 
generally made from two logs hollowed, matched and pinned 
together, thus giving greater breadth and tonnage. These 
were known as "slaptogethers." In early days as many as 
forty packs of peltries, each about one hundred pounds 
weight, and later one hundred and seventy-five bushels of 
corn. or wheat, were comfortably carried in one of the larger 
pirogues, in a good stage of water, three or four men forming 
the crew. Fifteen to twent}^ miles a day was the distance 
generally made against the current when the water was 
at favorable height. With the current the distance covered 



ro2 The Mauntee Valley Pioneer Assacmtiotp^ 

per day could be made several multiples of twenty „ 
Against the current poles, paddles and towing lines-, 
were the means of propulsion, while in the shallower 
places, stepping into the water and lifting and push- 
ing the boat over the rocks by hand was not infrequently 
necessary. A puncheon or, later, a plank was attached to 
each side of the boat above the water and from ead to end,, 
on which a man walked and pus.hed after standing his pole on 
the bottom of the river from the bow. Boating was- of tea 
heavy work; but it was far easier than carrying. 

The writer has accmnulated a long and notable record of 
travel and traffic along the Maumee, dating from very early 
times. 

The last of the pirogues at Defiance were some smaller- 
ones which went to pieces in 1873, being- wholly succeeded 
by small skiffs of more modern build. 

The Miami and Erie Canal, opened for general use in 
18^3 along this river, superceded nearly all but local rivei- 
commerce; but for several years thereafter some grain and 
timber were taken down stream during high water. 

These rivers have been, also, very important sources of 
food supplies During the early histoiio period these rivers, 
the Maumee pari icularly, abounded in the various kinds of 
water fowl, and with tish to the extent that numerous tish— 
eating animals and birds were well supplied and, beside,, 
great schools were at the easy catch — they being here more 
easily entrapped than in larger waters, — of the people along 
its course, who at limes largely subsisted on them. Nearly 
all of the species living in Lake Erie abounded in the rivers, 
they -having free access from the lake even to shallower 
waters well near the sources of the several streams. Since 
the increase of population, however, the building o' dams 
and mills, the pollution of the waters with refuse of all kinds 
including that from gas works and petroleum wells, and the 
increase in the number of fishermen with their more destruc- 
tive methods, the supply of fish and fowl have been materi- 
ally lessened in later years * , 



* See the author's Check-Lists of the Living and Extinct Animals, 
Including the Fish and Birds, of the Maumee River Basin. 



Yhe Mazmiee River ^ Its Valley and Its Basin. loj 

The removal of the large and dense forest growths, the 
'Clearing, ditching and underdraining of the lands, have 
wrought great change in these rivers Following heavy or 
■continued rains, and the rapid melting of the deeper snows, 
the streams rise, and fall, with far greater rapidity than 
^formerly, and generally decline to a lower stage of water 
daring the dryer seasons 

The Maiimee River originates at Fort Wayne, Indiana, 
at the central western part of the Basin, by the junction of 
the Rivers St. Joseph and St, Mary, with an initial minimum 
flow of about six thousand and five hundred cubic feet of 
water per minute derived from those streams. It pursues a 
general northeasterly course through the middle of the 
Basin and empties into Maumee Bay at the most westerly 
part of Lake Erie. The distance from its origin to its mouth 
in straight line is one hundred miles; but by way of its many 
windings the distance of its flow is one half, or more, great- 
er The first half of its course is by far the most tortuous. 
From its source to tHe lake slack water there is a fall of but 
one hun<ii'ed and seventy-four feet, an average of about one 
and one seventh foot per mile. There are numerous sluggish 
stretches, besides the fourteen miles of lake level at its 
mouth; and many rapids of varying lengths from a few feet 
upwards. The long rapids, often termed simply The Rapids 
in early times, extend practically from the Village of Grand 
Rapids to the Village of Maumee, a distance of about fifteen 
miles, with a fall of fifty-five feet. 

The French coureiirs ck hois and traders with the Abor- 
igines were the first Europeans to discover and range along 
this river. It became known to them about the middle of 
the seventeenth century, and to the cartographers, in a 
moderate way, but a few years later. It is probable that 
the different tribes of Aborigines had no names for this and 
the other rivers of this Basin, or, at most, any name that 
was generally recognized or remembered, before the coming 
of the French. The Shawnees of later days called the Mau- 
mee Ottawasepe, or Ottawa River (sepe meaning river) on 
account of some members of the Ottawa tribe having head- 
quarters by its lower course. The Wyandot name, Cagh- 
a-ren-du-te, or Standing Rock River, related to the high 



104 ^^^ Maumee Valley Pioneer Association, 

rock in the stream at Eoche de Eout. The Miaiuis, whohaefi 
headquarters along its upper waters, left no name now 
known to the writer. The French, explorers on meeting' the 
Miami people, previous to 1670, understood from them the 
name of their tribe as Me-nu-me, which sounds they record- 
ed in their language as Miami, The rapid pronunciation of 
this three-syllable word led the Colonists who settled in this 
region after the War of 1812, to pronounce it in two sylla- 
bles, as Maumee; and so it has become tixed. The name was 
also occasionally written Omi and Omee which mav have 
been a contraction of the French <m Mia in/' and nux- Midinis^ 
meaninof to the Miami, or Miamis, The name-form Miami 
was applied to this stream soon after the French chroniclers- 
visited it, as well as, later, to the two rivers emptying into 
the Ohio River through the southwestern part of Ohio. In 
writings of the latter part of the L8th and the first part of 
the 19th centuries it was often styled the Miami of the Lake 
to distinguish it from the more southern Miamis. Count de 
la Galissonniere styled this river in 1748 the Riviere de la 
Roche or Rock River; likewise M, de Vaudreuil in 1750, and 
M. de Longueuil in 1752, on account of the many rocks in 
the lowest rapids. 

The earliest European explorers left no record of their 
first appearing along the Maumee, nor of its appearance at 
that time While it is true that the southeastern shore of 
Lake Erie was not so early explored by the French as those 
parts of the upper lakes readily accessible by the Ottawa 
River route from Montreal, the western part of Lake Erie 
and its main tributary from the southwest, the Maumee, 
offering the shortest and best route to the south and south- 
west, were undoubtedly visited at an early date. 

The Maumee receives only very local additions from the 
south between its source and the entrance of the Auglaize 
River at Defiance, a distance in straight line of forty-five 
miles and by the rivers very tortuous course nearly double 
this distance, or more. The channel varies from three to 
five hundred feet in width and is eroded to the Corniferous 
Limestone at Antwerp and from a little above Defiance 
downward. The eroding banks are often twenty-five to 
forty feet in height, first on one side and then on the other. 



The Maumee River ^ Its Valley and Its Basin. lo^ 

They are mostly composed of gravelly clay with varying 
layers of sand, gravel and waterworn boulders of various 
sizes, and such strew the channel. The volume of water is 
continually and materially augmented by the seepage from 
the banks. The "bottom" lands are of limited extent. A 
minor terrace or two exists just below Defiance. Only nor- 
mal erosive waverings of channel have occurred in this up- 
per part of the river's course. 

Several short and small streams enter from the north in 
Allen County, Indiana. Starting in the northeastern part of 
this County and flowing in a general easterly direction are 
the north and south headwaters of Marie de Lorme Creek 
which unite in the northwestern township (Carryall) of Pauld- 
ing "County, Ohio, and empty into the river in the adjoining 
Crane Township. Gordon Creek, which originates in the 
southwestern township (Hicksville) of Defiance County, flows 
in a southeasterly direction and enters the river in Paulding 
near the line of Defiance County. Flowing parallel with 
Gordon, and from one to four miles northeast of it, is Plat- 
ter Creek. Then only small "runs" are received until the 
entrance of Tiffin River from the north, within the City of 
Defiance. The principal tributary of the Maumee is the Au- 
glaize River which enters from the south, also within the cor- 
porate limits of Defiance, one mile and a half below the Tiffin. 

Below Defiance the tributaries of the Maumee are small 
and local "runs" excepting North and South Turkey-foot 
Creeks which enter from the north and south nearly opposite 
each other, toward the eastern part of Henry County; Bad 
Creek from Fulton County on the north; Beaver and Ton- 
togany Creeks from the south, draining part of Wood 
County; and Swan Creek from the northwest, received at 
Toledo. 

The channel in this section of the Maumee is far less 
tortuous than above; it widens materially and the beauty of 
the scenery increases. In fact, for quiet, pastoral beauty y 
the A aumee River is not excelled, particularly in its course 
throi !;h Defiance and Henry Counties. The gently sloping 
ban' . very fertile and well cultivated, with commodious 
farm lOLises, and fringes of noble forest trees, remnants of a 



io6 The Maum.ee Valley Pioneer Association. 

mighty forest, all present a picture of peace, plenty, and of 
beauty, which lingers in memory as a grateful benediction. 

Three miles east of Defiance the river has cut through 
the Defiance Moraine and the third glacial lake beach, the 
left bank of the river rising about one hundred feet above 
the water, it being the highest land along the river. One 
mile and a half below this "North Ridge" a dam across the 
river, seven hundred and sixty-three feet in length, was built 
by the State in 1841-42 for Canal supply. This dam is nine 
feet high and supplies good depth of slackwater, for canal 
boats and for steamboats accommodating hundreds of 
pleasure seekers, for a distance of eight miles. This slack- 
water also extends up the Auglaize River three miles and 
the Tiffin two miles. 

The evidences of the channel having forsaken part of its 
bed of former ages increases in this lower section. The site 
of the present Village of Napoleon was formerly an island. 
Rock forms the bed of the present channel, it being eroded 
to the Corniferous Limestone most of the way, even showing 
erosions into this formation in places to the depth of three 
and four feet. At Grand Rapids village, the head of the 
Grand Rapids, at the northwestern corner of Wood County, 
another State dam exists; or rather two dams from an island, 
one being seventeen hundred and the other six hundred and 
sixty-one feet in length. This dam feeds the Miami and Erie 
Canal in its lowest course, or to the lake level at Toledo. The 
dam is five and one half feet in height and gives a depth of 
broader slackwater for about nineteen miles. This dam is at 
the head of the longest series of rapids in the river's course. 
At first the flow is on nearly level strata of Corniferous 
Limestone, and near Waterville it is on the Lower Helder- 
berg or Waterlime, the channel being liberally strewn with 
'erratic boulders from the Drift. 

The early settlers constructed small dams, or wing-dams 
of small extent, at three or four sites along these rapids for 
milling purposes. These served fairlj^ well for the small saw 
und flour mills until the completion of the Miami and Erie 
Canal in 1843 when they were superseded by the waste water- 
ways of the Canal. 

Seven miles below Grand Rapids and one mile above 



The Maumee River ^ Its Valley and Its Basin. loj 

Waterville, the river has cut through a sectile limestone of 
the Onondaga or Waterlime group to the depth of thirty 
feet, the blutf being in the left bank, and a small high island 
of the rock remaining at about one-third of the distance in 
the present channel. These rock points, or particularly the 
one in the stream, were landmarks to the early French who 
gave it the name Koche de Bout,* a name still retained in 
the vicinity. A short distance west of the present shore 
bluff is a deserted channel of the river in former ages, which 
is about thirty feet above the present channel. Three miles 
below Roche de Boat there is still a higher bluff on the left 
bank and a like deserted channel to the left (west). The 
peninsular-like appearance of this eminence was so promi- 
nent that the early French named it Presqu'ile, meaning 
peninsula, and later it has often been termed Presqu'ile Hill. 
It was on and around, particularly the northern end, of this 
prominence that the battle of Fallen Timber was waged and 
won by General Anthony Wayne August 20, 1794. 

The head of the Maumee River's lowest slackwater 
(level of Lake Erie) is at the Village of Maumee, fourteen 
miles above Maumee Bay. The increased distance to the 
rock in the channel of this river at and near its mouth, in 
common with this condition of drowned river of many other 
streams tributary to Lake Erie, signifies either* preglacial 
channels at these places or a long period of erosion when the 
Lake was at a much lower level than now. f The average 
width at the summer's stage of water is one hundred rods, 
while the average width above this slackwater is fifty rods. 
At several places the outer banks are separated by a distance 
of nearly a mile, and the interval is occupied with an occa- 
sional low island, limited flood plains of "^'bottom", and gent- 
ly inclining glacial drift. 

The beauties of the Maumee River have been but little 
appreciated by later residents along its course. They havCy 



*Pronounced very like Roash de Boo. If means Rock Point, This 
place has sometimes been improperly written ' ' Roche de Boeuf ' '' mean- 
ing Beef, or Ox, Rock. 

fGeologists tell us that the earth is still rising at the foot of Lake 
Erie, and that the depth of the L,ake is still increasing. 



io8 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

as yet, been too busy in the very serious business of making 
their lives secure against the Aborigines, of clearing the for- 
est to produce the necessaries of life, in the sharp competi- 
tion for fortunes, and in various other diversions. Many of 
the beautiful shaded spots have of late years, however, at- 
tracted a large number of persons who desire wholesome and 
inexpensive escape from the heat and dust of towns. Sum- 
mer houses have been built along the Maumee and Auglaize, 
particularly in the vicinity of Defiance, by clubs and families, 
and many other parts of the river are occupied by "campers" 
under restrictions by landowners. Island and shore picnic 
grounds are also frequented by large numbers of excursion- 
ista. 

The Aborigines who loved this river so well have long 
since departed, leaving but little expression of the sentiments 
that the more thoughtful of them must have entertained in 
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DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAlSr REVO 

LUTION. 

AND URSULA WOLGOTT CHAPTER, TOLEDO, O. 



The Daughters of the American Revolution were organ- 
ized as a National Society in the fall of 1890. The first 
meeting was called on the 9th of August^ 1890, by three 
women, Miss Eugenia Washington, Miss Mary Desha, and 
Mrs, Walworth. This action by the three founders was fol- 
lowed by immediate active w^ork; and all was confirmed by 
the first public meeting called October 11, 1890. From that 
day the National Society began its work and it has never 
ceased from that time to this. 

It has not only gained a membership of thirty-three 
thousand and over, but it has also gained the full develop- 
ment of the principles and sentiments which inspired those 
founders on that memorable day of August ninth, eighteen 
hundred ninety. Its fundamental principles are embodied 
in these brief sentences; 

"To perpetuate the memory of the spirit of the men and 
women who achieved American Independence; to develop 
an enlightened public opinion, and to afford to young and 
old such advantages as shall develop in them the largest 
capacity for performing the duties of American citizens; to 
cherish and maintain and extend the institutions of Ameri- 
can freedom; to foster true patriotism and love of country^ 
and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of 
liberty." 

The motto of the Society is, '^'Home and Country," and 
that well defines and describes its work. In perpetuating 
the memory of the spirit of the men and women who 
achieved American Independence we are doing our share 
towards a revival of all that was truest and noblest in the 
Republic when it came to us as a magnificient heritage from 
our forefathers. 



Daughters of the American Revolution. iii 



All over the land have Daughters of the American 
Revolution in suitable times and places erected monuments 
and placed tablets to the memory of Revolutionary ancestors. 
They have acquired many historic sites which they have 
restored and preserved. They have put forth much effort 
to secure and save from destruction the military, civic and 
personal records of Revolutionary soldiers, who served and 
•died that wts might live and enjoy the blessings of civil and 
religious liberty. Chairs of An^erican History have been 
established in Universities by the efforts of the Daughters of 
the American Revolution, and prizes have been offered in 
Public Schools for essays along these lines. 

In its broad philanthropy, to Cuba, Manila, Galveston, 
and Jacksonville, has been sent most generous help and sup- 
port. Where the soldier or sailor of the Flag went, there 
■came the help and support of the special work of the 
Daughters of the American Revolution. 

The Ohio Chapters have done most noble work. At the 
Ohio Daughters' Annual Conferences, one is filled with ad- 
miration at the spirit shown in this work The amount ac- 
complished by these Chapters is marvelous. There is, ap- 
parently, no limit to their zeal. 

1 cannot go into detail of all the glorious work accom- 
plished by these Ohio Daughters of the American Revolu- 
tion. It is too long a roll of honor and I hope I may be 
pardoned if I do wrong in closing this brief resume of work 
and aims of the D. A, R. in fealty to their motto, "Home 
and Country," by mentioning the work and spirit of the 
Ursula Wolcott Chapter of Toledo. This Chapter was 
organized January 12, 1895, with twelve charter members. 
Mrs. W. H. H. Smith was elected the first Regent and 
served until March, 1899, when Mrs. Helen Wolcott Dimick 
succeeded to the office . In March, 1901, Mrs. Dimick was 
succeeded by Mrs, Ferdinand Welch as Recent of the Chap- 
ter. In order to keep the Chapter of a size possible for 
drawing room meetings the number was limited to fifty, un- 
til at the annual meeting March, 1899, this limitation was 
removed and open membership declared. The Chapter has 
steadily j^rown since that time and it numbers now some 
ninety odd members. Among them is a "real daughter,'' 



ri2 The Maurnee VaUey Pioneer Assroeiafton\- 

Mrs. Sainantba M. Flint. Its monthly meetinors are held im 
the Boody House dravviug- room, and are well attended. 

To find one'^s eligibility to be a Daughter of the Ameri- 
ean Revolution often req.uire& much research in public 
libraries^ and looking through old musty j>apers in long for- 
gotten dusty places. But to those favored with success after 
such research, comes the spirit of the motto ami the desire- 
to do such lines of work as the National Society may direct, 
and ihe State Regent may approve. 

Towards the building of (continental Hall at Washing- 
ton, D, C , the Ursula Wolcott Chapter has contribirted one- 
hundred and thirty dollars; and to the Washington Univer- 
sity Fund, five dollars.. In response to a call for establish- 
ing an Ohio Alcove at Manila, in the Library for the benefit 
of the soldiers stationed there-, this Chapte-r se-nt one hundred 
and thirty volumes. These books were on popular subject s^ 
and the works of fiction were the new, much called for edi- 
tions. In their new,^ beautiful bindings the-y made- a most 
desirable gift. In conjunction with the Anthony Wayne 
Chapter Sons of the American Revolution,, this Chapter was. 
able to send to Manila for this same object one hundred and 
thirty dollars, the proceeds of a lecture given by .VI r. W. W. 
Ellsworth, the subject being '''From Lexington to York- 
town " 

Ursula Wolcott Chapter has entered upon its seventh 
year. With everything that is bright, helpful and inspir - 
ing, with unbounded zeal and enthusiasm the outlook for 
the Chapter^s work this year promises much for "'Home and 
Country," and the triumph of the Stars a>n)d Stripes. 

'"Embrace it. Oh, UKjthers, and heroes shall grow. 
While its colors blush warm on your bosoms of snow; 
Defend it, Oh, fathers, there^s no sweeter death 
Than to float its fair folds with a soldiers last breath. 
And love it, Oh, children, be true to the sires, 
Who wove it in pain by the old camp fires." 
Helen Wolcott Dimick, 
Historian, Ursula Wolcott Chapter, 



THE PRESBYTERIAN MISSION TO THE ABOR- 
IGINES AT THE LOWER MAUMEE RIVER. 



Among the interesting spots to be fonnd along the banks* 
of the Mauraee River may b& mentioned the site of the Mis- 
sion Station for the Aborigines, situated on the right or south- 
bank about nine miles above Perrysburg. From this point 
the benign influences of the gospel radiated between the - 
years 1823 and ISStt. Here the weary and ague stricken 
immigrant found a safe resting*^ place and the houseless found' 
a safe retreat. Here were gathered some of the Aborigine- 
youth to receive, gratuitously, that knowledge that would fit 
them for civilized life. Later on came the boys and girls of 
the few and widely separated settlers to receive that instruct- 
ion which in turn was to shed the light of good citizenship in 
the rapidly developing country. Of the puplils who attended 
that school, so far as^ we can learn, there are now but two* 
living, namely, Mrs. Louise Thurston of Bowling Green^ 
and Mrs. Louise Atkinson of Whitehouse; 

The founders of the Mission had an eye to the beautiful 
in selecting this place, as a more picturesque spot cannot be 
found in the Valley. 

The river here is about one- mile wide and between high 
banks. It has a very moderate current and an average depth 
of about eight feet in low water. What is known as the 
Station Pond is about two and one half miles long, between 
rapids. Within this Pond are four islands. The Missionary ^ 
or large Island, containing about two hundred and thirty 
acres, extends about half way up the Pond» Then corner the 
Aborigine Island, containing about ninety acres, which ex- 
tends to the rapids above, with an intei'vening channel about 
twenty rods wide. To the westward of this channel lies the 
Marston Island. To the east lies the Graw Island. About 
midway of the Pond the Tontogany Creek enters from the 
south, forming a deep, narrow valley. 



J 14 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

It was here that the Mission buildings were located, on 
:a,n eminence overlooking the Pond, the land descending to- 
ward the river, on the west, and toward the creek on the 
-south. 

Let us now try to think the thoughts of Lucia Van 
Tassel when this scene first burst upon her view, on the 
-evening of November 25, A. D , 1822, as herself and husband 
with Mr and Mrs. Martindale, of Perrysburg, emerged 
from the steep ravine that puts into the river at the foot of 
the Pond. The oak and the hickory "'have put on their 
garments of silver and gold." The pioneer leaflels, like 
herself, have left the place of their nativity and are hurry- 
ing and skurrying in obedience to the winds To the right, 
glimpses of the wooded islands may be caught through the 
copse intervening between river and road. Occasionally a 
canoe may be seen moored to the bank, while here and there 
'Others dart with dusky paddlers hurrying to their lodges, the 
smoke of which may be seen curling above the tree tops on 
the island. To the left lies a heavy forest of oak, hickory 
and walnut, with nuts still adhering to the boughs, like fond 
children who dread to face the world alone. The tree 
gnomons cast their shadows far to the eastward. From just 
above the tree tops the sun is sending a thousand shimmering 
sliaf ts that come dancing across the turbid • waters of the 
Pond, guilding its shore with a roseate hue known only to 
an Aboriginal summer. A lone raven, like an evil harb- 
inger, high over head occasionally sends forth his melan- 
choly croak as if to depress the otherwise buoyant spirit; but 
a bevy of black birds, with crimson butted wings, have just 
hovered on a spreading oak and begun a. chorus to welcome 
the strangers before they speed on their journey southward. 
Such were the scenes that greeted the eye of this bride of 
six months, the active field of life before her, that life fully 
consecrated to the service of the Master. A heart filled with 
kindly compassion for the Aborigines, and a mind stored 
with that knowledge which would make her useful in any 
walk of life. She says in her diary, written at the time: 
"At sunset we reached the Station. The first object that en- 
gaged our attention was a poor [Aborigine] boy, standing at 
the door, and my heart thrilled with pity when I reflected 



The Presbyterian Mission to the Aborigines, i ig 

upon his wretched and forelorn condition. 1 rejoice at the 
prospect of Vjeing instrumental in raising some of these poor 
wanderers to a state of happiness and respectability." 

The Mission was established more especially for the 
benefit of the Ottawa Aborigines who were a portion of the 
great Algonquin family. We first learn of them in Northern 
Canada; then ""The Soo," then at Mackinaw; a portion going 
thence to Detroit, whence they came to the Maumee. 

The thought of sending a Mission to these Aborigines 
was doubtless first in the mind of Rev. Joseph Badgei (Mrs. 
Van Tassel's iather). Mr. Badger was a Missionary to the 
Wyandots at Sandusky; also to the Shawnees on the River- 
Raisin, and he visited the Maumee as early as 1801. 

The work of putting this Mission into active operation 
is due to the Presbyterian Synod of Pittsburgh, Pa. It was 
here on the 8th day of October, 1822, that the Mission 
family, consisting of Rev. Alvin Coe and wife. Rev, Isaac 
Van Tassel and wife, and Mr. and Mrs, Barnes, were 
formally ordained for the Misson Work. Mrs, V.'s diary 
of this date reads thus: "The eveninsr of this day we niet 
with our devoted brothers and sisters in the second church 
in this city. The sermon was solenm and hio^hly interesting. 
Introductory prayer by Rev. Mr. Jennings, organizing 
prayer by Rev. C P. Swift, charge by Rev. Mr. llerron. 
Having been severally set apart to the Missionary woi k and 
renewedly devoted ourselves to the service of God. May we 
have grace to discharge with faithfulness and fidelity the 
duties which are before us." A short time previous to this 
journey to Pittsburgh occured the marriage of Isaac Van 
Tassel to Lucia Badger. The marriage seems to have taken 
place at the home of Mrs. Van T.'s sister in Ashtabula, O. 
The journey from there to Pittsburgh and return at- that 
time required four weeks, including three days spent at 
Pittsburgh. 

On the w.iy to the proposed Mission on the Maumee 
River, they found the road in bad condition. At Painesville 
they were joined by a Miss Stephens and all embarked there 
on Captain Skinner's schooner on the 2oth of October, 1822, 
for Fort Meigs. At noon on the 2Hth they reached Sandusky 
Bay, where Reverend Badger had established a Mission 



J[j6 Tlie Manme'B Valhy Pioneer Association. 

some twelve years before; but when the War of 18L2 occurred 
the Mission was discontinued on that account and Mr. 
Badger went as Chaplain in the army, going to Fort Meigs 
in that capacity. With the party was the pastor of a church 
in Ashtabula County, Rev. Alvin Coe. They stopped at 
Sandusky on this journey to look after any of the old 
Mission folks who might be left there. Among those found 
•were some negroes who had established quite a settlement 
The little Iboat sailed out of that bay about sunset. That 
Saturday night was a wild one on the Lake where Perry's 
':guns had roared nine years before, and for a time it ap- 
peared that the little bark must be ' cast on some of the 
islands; but daylight found them sailing pleasantly up Mau- 
mee Bay. After a comfortable breakfast all repaired to the 
cabin and united in prayer and thanksgiving for their pres- 
'ervation, the crew and other passengers joining. At 2 p. m, 
they landed at Judge Hubbell's warehouse, two miles below 
Fort Meigs, and passed the night at Mr. Hubbell's house. 
The next afternoon Dr. Horatio Conant came and conveyed 
them to his home. That night they lodged with a Mrs, 
'Gibbs. Next morning Mr. Van Tassel and Mr, Barnes went 
oip the river to see the Mission grounds. Mrs. Van Tassel 
returned to Dr. Conant's house where she met Mr. and Mrs. 
Martindale with whom she found a pleasant home until the 
Mission building could be occupied. The other ladies stayed 
at Doctor Conant's until the 25th of November, when they 
all went to the Mission Station. Rev. Coe arrived there 
two days later. It appears that others had preceded them 
to the Mission ground earlier in the season. Rev. "Father" 
Tait and "Mother" Tait, as leaders, also Rev. Leander 
Sackett and wife, and a Mr, McPherson, were the early ones 
to manage the work of clearing the ground, starting the 
building, etc. 

The work engaged in by Mrs. Van Tassel on her arrival 
at the Mission Station was to take charge of the housework 
with Mother Tait. This arrangement continued for three 
weeks when Mrs. Coe took the place of Mrs. Tait, and these 
two continued this labor until the next March when Mrs. 
Van Tassel became sick. She speaks of the duty as being 



^Tlie Preshyteriun Mission to the Aborigin'es. i ij 

'exceedingly laborious and incessant, even to the exclusion of 
her diary which ceased at that time. 

The Autumn had been prolonged until late in the year. 
'The winter set in unusually severe December 1st, and the next 
morning teams crossed the river on the ice. 

It should be borne in mind that the construction of such 
buildings as required for their purpose, involved at that early 
'day an immense amount of labor. Much o-f the lumber was 
brought from the River Raisin in Michigan. On March 3rd. 
Mr. Van Tassel started with a team for that place to bring a 
load of clapboards.. Great anxiety was felt for his safet}^ 
when the weather turned very warm, as he expected to go 
rand return on the ice. In the evening he arrived safely hav- 
ing been highh^ favored in the object of his journey. His 
load broke through the ice once, but was rescued. The main 
Mission building was 30x80 feet, ground size, and two stories 
liigh, with an annex of 20x100 feet. A large cellar was ex- 
'cavated and a stone wall built under the main building. 
Through the porch floor of the main building a trap door 
opened into the well. This gave to the well a very sepulchral 
appearance when gazing down it, which possibly gave rise to 
the thoughts in the minds of some superstitious people that 
they could hear strange sounds in the cellar. The upper floor 
was divided into four rooms the same as the lower. The an- 
nex contained three rooms in addition to the washroom,, 
olothesroom, woodroom rnd ashroom. The rear upper room 
was used as a school room for the white children and the up- 
per front room- was known as the sick-room. The school for 
the Aborigines was held in a smaller building a few feet to 
the west of the main structure. 

Among the industries attempted at the Mission Station 
was silk worm culture- Mulberry trees were indigenous on 
the Islands and it occurred to Mrs. VanTassel that their 
leaves could be turned to practical account in feeding silk 
worms. This enterprise seemed to have been a success finan- 
cially as it was continued by her after the close of the Mis- 
sion. Among the first things the good missionaries did was 
to plant apple seeds, and soon stocks were ready for grafting, 
for which scions were received from the east. It was the de- 
light of the Reverend gentlemen in charge of the Mission to 



1 18 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

go from tree to tree followed by the Aborigine boys and girls 
carrying the scions and wax, who each in tarn set a gi^ft un- 
der instruction. The site chosen for the trees, the varieties, 
selected, and the treatment of the young trees, time has 
proven to have been of the best, as this orchard has out-lived 
many orchards planted long after. 

The Missionary Society's Record concerning this Mission 
is as follows: "Commenced in 1822 by the Pi*esbyterian 
S3^nod of Pittsburgh, Pa. Transferred to the United For- 
eign .Missionary Society October 25th, 1825. Consolidated 
with the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign 
Missions in June, 1826." 

The only ordained Missionary was Rev. Isaac VanTassel. 
Assistant Missionary Rev. Leander Sackett, came in 1822, 
and departed in 182T. Hannah Riggs from Franklin, Pa., 
teacher, arrived in November, 1827, and departed in August, 
1833. Sydney E. Brewster, farmer, from Geauga County, 
Ohio, came in April, 1831, and departed in June, 1833. Miss 
Sarah Wlthrow came in 1828. She married the above men- 
tioned Sydney E. Brewster in June, 1831, and departed with 
him. William Culver came in 1833, and departed in 1834. 

The Mission church was organized in 1823 wich twenty- 
four persons, nine of whom were Aborigines. All were 
pledged to abstain from spirituous liquors. 

The plan of the Society in conducting the Mission seems 
to have been to make it self-supporting as soon as possible; 
to take all the young Aborigines who were willing to come, 
and board, clothe and educate them, giving them practical 
lessons on the farm not altogether after the Squeer's system,* 
but to get all of the work from them consistent with justice. 
The Society estimated the necessary expense of the Mission 
from the number attending. The whole number that had 
been under instruction up to the time of the closing of the 
Mission was ninety -two. The Mission closed in 1834 with 
thirty-two pupils in attendance, sixteen of whom were re- 
corded as of "mixed blood", and fourteen as "full blooded" 
Aborigines. According to Treaty the Aborigines had prom- 
ised to remove from the Maumee to a new home west of the 



^'According to Charles Dickens in his Nicholas Nickleby. — Editor. 



The Presbylermn Mission 'to the Ahorigines. 1 1^ 

Mississippi, thus removing the object of the Mission on the 
Maumee. 

After the closing of the Mission by the Society, Mr. and 
Mrs. VanTassel remained and conducted a boarding school 
which the children of the new settlers attended. It was dur- 
ing this period that Miss Abigail Wright and Isaac VanTasseL 
Jr., were employed as teachers. The kindness of Miss Wright 
to her young pupils was such as to stamp itself indelibly up- 
on their memory and bring back her form and features as 
they in after years recalled the lines she taught them while 
-■standing by her side. 

Upon leaving the former Mission Station, about the year 
1839, Mr. VanTassel purchased a homestead in Plain Town- 
iship. Wood County, where he continued to reside until his 
death which occurred in 1848. 

After the death of her husband Aunt Lucia, as Mrs. Van 
Tassel was commonly called, went to New York and studied 
medicine. After qualifying herself she went to Memphis, 
Tennessee, and commenced the practice of medicine. Ber 
long and ardous duties at the Mission fitted her for such 
work, and she was successful, judging from her diary after 
her return to Wood County, which reads, under date of 
January, 1852, as follows: "Having been prospered in my 
pecuniary concerns since the death of my dear husband, and 
blessed with unusual health, I now resolve to contribute one 
tenth of all the money which I receive, from whatsoever 
source, in some way for the spread of the gospel and the ad- 
vancement of the cause of Christ; and I do not include in 
this the sum subscribed toward the support of our pastor 
which I consider a debt for personal benefits received " This 
shows her decision of character; always ready to move out 
on any line where duty called. Had she lived in "Sheldon's 
City of Raymond" she would have been a ready respondent 
to the qnestion, "What would Jesus do?' Previous to her 
marriage she was a successful teacher in the Western Re- 
serve schools. She then compiled and published a gri-ammar 
for the use of her pupils. Love for her fellow creatures was 
the most marked trait of her character. She was small of 
stature and possessed of remarkable physical endurance. At 
one time she rode on horseback from the Mission Station to 



rzo The' M^aumee Valley Pioneer /tsscrciafiow,. 

Wapakoneta. She frequently rode to Maumee villaofe for- 
the doctor, being^ obliged to ford the river on the way. Om 
one occasion &be waa taking" both doctors.. Conant and Borritt.- 
When thej'^ found the ice tioating^ freely in the river they 
hesitated, but she pi ung-ed boldly in,, .calling to th>em '•'come 
on,"' and all were soon safely across-. When at Memphis she- 
astonished the natives by crossing th« Mississippi-' in a row- 
boat to see a patient during: a severe thunder storm.. How- 
ever vexatious and' trying: the occasion she always preserved, 
a quiet, unruffled demeanor. She adopted and reared one- 
Aborigine boy, who was given the name of Alvin Coe, and 
two girls of mixed blood. Her last days wxre spent with 
her adopted daughter, Mrs. Clara Webb, at Maumee Village^ 
where sbe died Thursday, February 5th, 1874. She was- 
buried beside her father in the Perrysburg cemetery. 

The Mission Station remained the- property of the- Mis- 
.sionary Society until 1852 when it was sold to Morehouse and^ 
Brigham. The^ land has twice since-^ changed owners and is- 
now the property of Chauncey Parker of Bowling- Green. 
The tract on the main land has been, divided into two- farms.. 
The part containing the buildings has changed owners several' 
times gmd is now the propert}^ of William Hemmon of Ton- 

togany. 

Mrs. Louise Atkinson. 

White House,, Ohio,, July^ 1901.. 




DEFIANCE COLLEGE. 



The Citizens of Norfcliwestern Ohio were early alert to 
the advantages to accrae from the liberal education of them- 
selves and their children. And a half centur}^ ago Defiance 
College was incorporated by an act of the State Legislature 
(Local Laws of Ohio of 1849-50, p. 625), an amendatory act 
being passed in 1864 (See Ohio Laws Vol. 61). By these acts 
of the Legislature 1280 acres of Canal Lands were set apart 
for the purpose of establishing and maintaining, orignally a 
Female Seminary, afterwards changed to Defiance College. 
The lands were sold between the years 1870 and 1880; and 
the present building was erected in 1884. The! College build- 
ing was opened for school purposes in 1886, and the school 
has had a history somewhat varied. It was thoroughly re- 
organized in 1896, by Rev. John R. H. Latchaw, A. M., D. 
D., its present President, and since that time has offered reg- 
ular collegiate courses of stud}^, as well as preparatory and 
technical schools. 

The original incorporators were Sidney S. Sprague, 
George B, Way, William Semans, Edwin Phelps, Samuel H, 
Greenlee and William Carter, pioneer residents of Defiance, 
Ohio. 




MINUTES OF THE BOWLING GREEN MEETING. 

The Thirty Sixth Annual Reunion of the Maumee Valley 
Pioneer Association was held in the City Hall, Bowling 
Green, Ohio, Thursday August 16th, 1900, 

The good people of that brisk little city and vicinity did 
much for the enjoyment of their visiting pioneer cousins. 
Although the place of entertainment was suddenly changed 
from the Fair Grounds, as advertised, to the City Hall, the 



122 The Matimee Valley Pioneer Association. 

pioneer members were comfortably cared for by the Wood 
County people and a very interesting and profitable meeting 
was held. 

In the absence of the president, Paris H. Pray, Mr. D. 
K. Hollenbeck, of Perrysbarg, called the meeting to order 
and introduced Frank A. Baldwin as Chairman of the day. 
Our pioneer brother, Rev. G. A. Adams of Perrysburg, im- 
plored divine grace and guidance after which the chairman 
spoke a few kind words for the general welfare of the 
Association. The chairman then introduced E. P. Bour- 
quin, a descendant of a pioneer in Northwestern Ohio. He 
spoke of the contrast that time had brought about, and 
voiced the cordial reception accorded by the people of 
Bowling Green. 

The secretary then cam« forward with the fourth annual 
Pamphlet of the Association which contained the Secretary's 
Minutes of the meeting of last year held at Delta, Ohio, the 
Addresses, Memorials and Sketches that had been presented 
for publication; and the books were placed on sale. 

Dr. Charles E. Slocum of Defiance, was called for and 
;give an interesting address on Prehistoric Man in the Mau- 
Tnee Valley. Following this address the meeting adjourned 
for dinner 

The election of officers was taken up at the afternoon 
■session. The nominating committee presented the names of 
the following and they were elected, viz: For President, 
Justin H. Tyler, of Napoleon; but reference to the By-Laws 
which require the election of the oldest resident pioneer for 
this office, the committee replaced the name of Paris H. 
Pray, of Whitehouse. For Vice Presidents, there were 
-chosen Luther Black, of Wood County; D. B, Smith, of 
Lucas; John Adams, of Hancock; Dr. William Ramsey, of 
Fulton, and J. P. Buffington, of Defiance. For Secretary, 
John L. Pray, Whitehouse, For Treasurer, William Cor- 
lett, Toledo, For Executive Committee: Dr. Charles E. 
Slocum, Defiance; Hon. William Handy, Ottawa; C. 0. 
Young, Liberty Center; William Corlett, Toledo; F. A. Bald- 
win, Bowling Green. 

An address was then delivered bv ex-Grovernor Charles 



Minutes of the Bowling Green Meeting. I2j 

Foster, a gentlenian well versed in the pioneer features of 
the country. He drew a happy contrast between "then and 
now," portraying- the developments in a manner to greatly 
please his hearers. 

Senator Thomas Harbaugh followed with a brief ener- 
getic address that was we. 1 received. One of the pleasing 
features of the entertainment was a vocal solo by Miss 
Winnie, daughter of County Clerk Thomas J. Lake, of 
Bowling Green. 

Mr. J. P. Buffington of Defiance, presented to the Asso- 
ciation a gavel made from the wood oi the famous old apple 
tree at Defiance. He also gave the Secretary a cane made 
from this tree to present to Paris L. Pray, the venerable 
President af the Association. 

A poem from the pen of Mrs. S. C. Evers^ was read by 
Mr. Dunn and was received by the Association as being 
reminiscent und pointed. 

Dr. Charles E. Slocum, as chairman, reported for the 
committee appointed at the winter meeting in Toledo, on 
"Historic Places of Special Interest." The committee was 
thanked for their good work, and the same persons were re- 
quested to continue the work of the late The Maumee Valley 
Monumental Association, and to report progress to this 
Pioneer Association at its next Annual meeting. Dr. Slocum 
also read the report of the committee on Relics and Deposi- 
tories, which was well received, and the same committee was 
continued. 

A vote of thanks was extended to the citizens of Bowl- 
ing Green for their generous and earnest entertainment. 

P. H- Pray, President, 

J. L. Pray, Secretary, 



In view of the desire for a mid-winter meeting, such 
persons were requested to assemble at the Lucas County 
Court House January 19, 1901. It was there resolved to hold 
a winter reunion at Toledo on February 22d; and the Secre* 
tary was instructed to invite Colonel Henry Watterson of 
Louisville, to address the people at Toledo on that date for 
the purpose of enhancing the desire to commemorate Ken- 



124 ^^^ Maumee Valley Pioneer Associatw7t. 



tucky and Pennsylvania soldiers who campaigned throug-h 
this Valley in 1794 and 1812 in our country's behalf. Mr. 
Watterson was unable to come, whereupon the proposed 
February meeting was abandoned. 

At the meeting January 19th, a committee, of which Mr. 
Frank Baldwin of Bowling Green, was chairman, was se- 
lected to consider the reorganization of the Association upon 
a better working basis. 

At a special called meeting at the Exchange Hotel in 
Perrysburg, March 9th, 1901, some members of this Asso- 
ciation were present. It was again resolved, that the before 
mentioned reorganization of this Association be reported up- 
<on by the committee of F. A. Baldwin, J. K. Hamilton, C. 
W. Evers, N. L. Hanson, David Robinson, D. K. Hollenbeck 
and J. M. Wolcott. 

The executive committee was called to meet at the Lucas 
County Court House at Toledo, June 8, 1901; Rev. G. A. 
Adams was chosen chairman and J. L. Pray secretary. C. 
C. Young, Wm. Corlett, J. M. Wolcott, J. E. Wilcox, Jos- 
eph Hull and others were present. It was resolved that the 
;37th Annual Reunion of the Maumee Valley Pioneer Asso- 
ciation be held at Defiance, Thursday, August 1.5th, 1901. 
The Secretary was instructed to ask the committee on reor- 
ganization to be present and report at that meeting. 

It was resolved to continue the Association Pamphlet 
this yean John L. Pray, Secretary. 




REPORTS. 

^Report of the Committee on the Historic Places in the M au- 
mee Valley, for the Year J 900, 



To the Maum.ee Valley Pioneer Association: 

Gentleinien: — When the appointment of a committee, of 
this character was moved by its chairman it was understood 
that the Maumee Valley Monumental Association had ceased 
to exist QVi account of death of its officers and other active 
workers; and this committee was urged for the purpose of 
reviewing and reporting the work done by said Monument 
Association, and suggesting the way by which this Pioneer 
Association could l>est continue the work for the proper pres- 
ervation, and marking, of those historic places that should 
be treasured. 

Some of us present today were members of the Maumee 
Valley Monumental Association. We paid our dues, signed 
the petition to Congress, and were content to leave the work 
in th« hands of the officers who were chosen on account of 
their known interest in the work. The efforts of those offi- 
cers, and the petition to Congress, were productive of good 
results, a synopsis of which is reported as follows: 

By an Act of Congress approved May 24th, 1888, it was 
enacted: — 

That the Secretary of War be, and he is hereby author- 
ized and directed to cause to be made, by an officer of the 
Engineer Corps, in co-operation with the Maumee Valle}^ 
Monument Association, an examination and inspection of 
each of the following- named historic grounds, locations, and 
and military works, to-wit: 

The burial place at Put-in-Bay Island of the soldiers of 
the Navy in the War of 1812. 

Fort Industry, at the mouth of Swan Creek, on the 
Maumee River. 



126 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Fort Miami, on the north and west side of the Maumee- 
River, seven miles above Fort Industry. 

Fort Meigs, and the burial grounds of the soldiers of 
the War of 1812, near the same, on the south and east bank 
of the Maumee River, ten miles above the mouth of Swan 
Creek. 

A suitable portion of the Battle-Field of Fallen Timber,., 
on the north and west bank of the Maumee River,, four miles 
above Fort Meigs, where Anthony Wayne defeated the 
allied Indian nations under Turkey Foot, Augus-t 20th, 1794,- 

Fort Defiance, at the confluence of the Auglaize and: 
Maumee rivers, erected by General Wayne in August, 1794. 

Fort Wa^'^ne, at Fort Wajne, Indiana,, at the confluence- 
of the St. Joseph and St. Mary rivers, which was ereeted by 
General Wayne in October, 1794 

And he shall cause to be made a survey and full report 
to Congress of the location, situation, and condition of the- 
same, and the amount of grounds necessary for the protec- 
tion and improvement of the aforesaid woi*ks, forts, battle^ 
fields, and burial places in and near the same, as well as the- 
probable cost thereof; and the said report shall be ac- 
companied with the necessary maps and drawings. 

Sec. 2. That the sum of $150 is appropriated^ out of 
any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for 
the expense of the examination and inspection provided for 
in this Act, 

0. M, Poe, Colonel of Engineers U. S. A,y then station- 
ed at Detroit, was designated for this work June 25th, 1888,. 
and he was instructed to confer with General John C. Lee of 
Toledo, for any inf o-rmation needed. The surveys were mad& 
in August, 1888, by local ertgineers under Col. Poe^s direct- 
ions; and he made his report under date of November 14th, 
1888, which report received the endorsement of General 
Thomas L. Casey^ Chief of Engineers U. Sv A., November- 
21&t, 1888, 

The findings, and recommendations of this report have 
been abbreviated by your Committee as follows: 

1. The Burial Place on Put-in-Bay Island was found in 
poor condition, and reduced to a circle thirty feet in diame- 
ter. The land would not cost anything. It was recommend- 
ed that this circle be inclosed with an iron chain supported 
by iron posts of neat design, and that a monument with 



Keport of Committee on Historic Places. 12'/ 

■suitable inscription be erected. The sum of $2500 was 
thought suHicient for this work. 

2. A monument at a cost of $5000 was recommended 
for one of the corners at the intersection of Monroe and 
Summit streets, Toledo, commemorative of Fort Industry. 

S. The river front outline of E'ort Miami has been 
■destro^yed. The purchase of § and 68-100 acres of land was 
recommended, and the erection of a monument on the parade 
of the Fori, all at the cost of $7,500. 

4. The general outlines of Fort Meigs could readily be 
'traced. Three points of interment have been established 
adjacent to the Fort: The garrison burial ground to the 
■westward; that of the "Pittsburgh Blues" to the southward; 
and that of the dead recovered from Dudley's command of 
Kentuckians from the west side of the river, who were 
Juried to the eastward of the Fort. One principal monu- 
ment for the parade of the Fort is recommended, and a 
•smaller monument for each of the three burial places, all to 
'COst with fifty -five acres of land and fencing, $30,500. 

5. The most interesting points of the Battle-Field of 
Fallen Timber, as thought by three members of the 
Executive Committee of the Monument Association who ac- 
companied <^ol . Foe to that place, are embraced within Vl^ 
acres of land, including a little of the low land to the north 
of the old location of Turkey-foot Rock and southwestward, 
-and all of Presq'isle Hill for some distance southward. 
The sum of $5,000 was thought sufficient to purchase the 
•land and for a suitable m-onument. 

6. The eartli-works of Fort Defiance were found well 
defined. The Fort Point between the Maumee and Auglaize 
Hivers belongs to the City of Defiance and is freely open to 
the public as a park. It has been kept in good condition by 
the City, excepting the erosions by the rivers at high ivater, 
A suitable monument for this important place was estimated 
at ^5,000. 

7. A considerable portion of the site of old Fort 
Wayne belongs to the City of Fort Wayne, the remainder 
I)eing now occupied by the New^ York, Chicago & St. Louis 
Railroad, as successors to the Wabash and Erie Canal. 
Only the well of the old Fort remains. Mr. Henry M. 
Williams erected an iron fence around the small triangle of 
ground still remaining unoccupied on the site of the Fort. 
A monument for this triangle is recommended at a cost of 
$5,000. 

These several recomm'endations amount to the sum of 
$60,500. 

The congressmen of this territory were addressed by the 



128 The Maumee Valley Pioneer Associafioit. 

chairman of your Committee for further information; but 
only the Hon. M. M. Boothman formerly repi-es&nting the^ 
Fifth Ohio District has thus far given us information. He 
writes under date of August 8th, 1900, that her introduced at 
the 1st Session of the 51st Congress H. B. T16, providing for 
the purchase of such of these historic places as would not be 
donated, and for the erection thereon of monuments accord- 
ing to Col. Poe's survey and report. This Bill was referred 
to the proper committee, but it was not reached by the com- 
mittee for report during his term of office. 

Your Committee hereby respectfully suggest, and rec- 
ommend, that a committee of three be continued to do what 
they can to continue the work of the late Maumee Valley 
Monument Association, and t6 report to this Pioneer Associ- 
ation the result of their work, with suggestions for action of 
this Association, 

Respectfully submitted, 

Chas. E. Slocum, I 
R. S. Robertson, ^Committee. 
J. K, Hamilton, | 
Bowling Green, August l(>thy 1900. 



Report of the Committee on Historic Places in the Maumee 
Valley, for the Year 1 90 J. 

Gentlemen: — Since our report to this Association last 
year a*^ I^owling Green there has come into om* hands a copy 
of the pamphlet published by the Maumee Valley Monu- 
mental Association late in the year 1885. This pamphlet 
shows that that Association was incorporated under the Ohio 
law £)0 July, 1885. It also contains the appeal of the Asso- 
ciation to Congress for the purchase and marking of the his- 
toric places in this Valley—naming and briefly describing 
these places with the exception of the large and important 
Fort Winchester, the omission of which we regard as un- 
intentional and regretful. We are confirmed in our state- 
ment of last year that all of the active workers of this 
Monument Association have passed from their labors here; 
and, if its few surviving members do not soon rally for its 
resuscitation, the i^ssociation will soon fade from memory. 



Repor t of Committee on Historic Places. i2g 

August 23, 1900, Hon. J. H. Southard, member of Con- 
gress from Toledo, wrote to this Committee regarding these 
historic places as follows: •=' '''' '"■ "For the last few 3-ears 
conditions have been exceedingly unfavorable for securing 
ai^propriations from Congress. First, we had a depleted 
Treasury, and then came on our troubles with Spain and the 
prolonged troubles in the Phillipines, involving tremendous 
expenditures for both Army and Navy. I sincerely hope and 
expect that in time, and I hope before very long, we may se- 
cure an appropriation which will result in the purchase of 
the land and the improvement of these sacred spots." 

In the year 1900 "the citizens of Allen Count}^, Indiana," 
and different soldiers' organizations, caused to be erected, on 
the small triangular piece of ground still left as a public 
park of the site of General Wajaie's Fort Wayne, a lime- 
stone pedestal over six feet in height and surmounted it with 
a Spanish cannon. The sides of this pedestal bear names and 
dates of all the wars, including the late Spanish war, and 
names and dates of the soldiers' organizations now existing 
at the City of Fort Wa3^ne. Another cannon stands within 
the enclosure, other parts of which show a flag and other de- 
signs in ornamental plants. 

Different organizations and persons, stimulated in part 
at least by the psychologic features of imitation, have been 
agitating this question of historic commemoration during 
the last year. Among these are the Sons of the American 
Revolution who, at their meeting in Toledo December 13^ 

1900, made the incorrect claim of "starting the first agita- 
tion for the preservation of these lields" in 1896. The Busi- 
ness Men's Chamber of Commerce of Toledo appointed a 
committee in December to visit Congress then in session, and 
urge immediate action by that body for the purchase and- 
marking of these places. If this committee went to Wash- 
ington at all its influence was nil, is not harmful. A meet- 
ing of twelve persons was held at Perrysburgh March 9,. 

1901, and a committee of seven was there appointed "to re- 
port to a general meeting to be held in Toledo at the call of 
the Maumee Valley Pioneer Association" with a view to 
formulating plans for the purchase of the sites of Forts 
Miami and Mei^s and the Battle Field of Fallen Timber . 



i^o The Maumee Valley Pioneer Association. 

Your committee was not officially advised of these meetino^s. 
We learned of their action through the Toledo newspapers. 
Your committee recognizes the great value of harmony 
of action. It is only through united efforts that the desired 
end can worthily be obtained; therefore, we recommend that 
a committee of three be continued by this Association to 
still further the work of the Maumee Valley Monument 
Association, and to report progress at the next Annual 
Meeting of this Association; also, with the suggestion, that 
this committee invite like committees from all other 
associations, societies and persons interested in this work to 
meet with them for united action in the work. 
Respectfully submitted, 

Chas. E. Slocum, \ 
R. S.Robertson, )- Committee. 
J. K. Hamilton, ) 
Defiance, Ohio, August 15, 1901. 



REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON DEPOSITORY AND 
RELICS, J 900. 

Your committee appointed to procure a depository, and 
to extend the interest and desire for gathering and preserv- 
ing prehistoric and historic relics, old books, manuscripts, 
documents, etc., and articles once in common use but now 
superseded by later products of ingenuity, hereby report 
that we have conferred with the Trustees of the Toledo Pub- 
lic Library who gladly consent to give space and shelf-room 
for such articles, of small bulk. 

We have solicited donations of such articles in the Asso- 
ciation's name, but few thus far have been received. 

It has come to our knowledge that some persons object 
to letting relics be taken from their County. We consider 
this stand commendable where suitable depository and care 
are provided in said County; and we recommend that a de- 
posit center be properly established in each County, and that 
an efficient committee be appointed in each Township for the 
purpose of directing all such articles to these centers. This 
work can probably better be done by residents of the several 
Counties than by this Association. 



Repoj^t of Committee on Depository^ Etc. iji 

However, we recommend that all such material offered 
to this Association be received and deposited as before men- 
tioned. 

We further recommend that a committee on 'Relics, His- 
torical Material and Depositories, be continued by this As- 
sociation to report at the next Annual meeting. 
Respectfull}^ submitted, 

Chas. E. Slocum, \ (s ... 
Wm. CORLETT, 'f^^o»imittee. 

Bowling Green, Ohio, 16 August, 1900. 



REPORT FOR J 901. 

Gentlemen: — Your committee on Relics, Historical 
Material and Depositories have little to report from last 
year. 

There have been accumulated a few old books to be de- 
posited in the Association's name in the Toledo Public Li- 
brary according to the report of last year. 

There has also been given into our hands for presenta- 
tion to this Association at this time, a portrait of the late 
Hon. Alfred P. Edgerton, painted in oil from life sittings of 
the subject in 1875 by the donor, Mrs. Josephine B. Scott. 
This portrait can also find temporary place in the corner 
cleared in said library for this Association's use. 

We desire to repeat our recommendations of last year 
for the encouragement of collections in county depositories, 
with the further suggestion that these depositories would be 
benefitted by possessing the confidence of the county com- 
missioners, and of the Ohio State Archaeological and His- 
torical Society from which last body they might from time 
to time be enabled to make exchanges. 

We further recommend that a committee on Relics, 
Historical Material and Depositories be continued by this 
Association, to report at the next A.nnual Meeting. 
Respectfully submitted, 

wTcLfx?:"'' !■ «--"-• 

Defiance. Ohio, 15 August, 1901. 



132 The Mawnee Valley Pioneer Associalion. 



Treasure/s Report, From 16 Aug-ttst, 1900 to 15 August, 

I90L 

RECEIPTS. 

For Pamphlet of 1900, sold during year % 47 75 

For Lumber sold at Fort Meigs 21 14 

For Advertisements in Pamphlet of 1900 . . 71 00 

From 28 New Members 28 00 

As Contribution by J. H. Tyler, Esq., . ... 5 00 
From J. L, Pray, money advanced 10 00 

Total Receipts $182 89 

Balance due Treasurer 25 86 

■ $208 75 

PAYMENTS. 

To Yrooman, Anderson & Bateman, Print- 
ers, for balance due on Pamphlet of 

1S99 $_17 12 

For Pamphlets of 1900, in full 191 38 

To the Secretary for postage 25 

Total payments $208 75 

INDEBTEDNESS. 

Due J, L. Pray for money advanced $ 10 00 

Due Wm. Corlett for money ad^'anced .... 25 86 

Total Association's Indebtedness, 

principally for Pamphlet of 1900 . $35 "SQ 

Wm. Coelett, Treasurer. 




The Maitmee Valley Pioneer Association, ijj 



LIST OF MEMBERS ADMITTED AT THE BOWLING 
GREEN MEETING, IN 1900. 



Frank A. Baldwin, Bowling Green, 

Clara F. Baldwin, 

Juliette E. Baldwin. Weston, 

T. J. Campbell, Bloomdale, 

Mrs. Alice Cotter, Toledo, 

Perry C. Chileote, West Milgrove, 

William Crook, Perrysburg, 

Addison P. Corey, Fostoria, 

Frank W. Dunn, Rowling Green, 

Robert Dunn, Bowling Green, 

Emma J. Dunn, Bowling Green, 

Elias Fassett, Toledo, 

E. B. Hall, Toledo, 

Dixon Hatcher. Perrysburg, 

Tlios. J. Harbaugh, Bowling Green, 

Catharine Hoagland, " " 

Eliza ToplitiE' Jones, Toledo, 

Mrs. Weltha Knagg, Waterville, 

John W. Myers, Waterville, 

Anna Momany, Toledo, 

J. Fraise Richard, Fayette, 

W. S. Richard, Bloomdale, 

Alice Sargent, Delta, 

William N. Tracy, East Toledo 

Aurora Van Dusen, Toledo, 

Mrs. Nellie Wescott, Maumee, 

Alex. Williamson, Bowling Green, 



came to thi 


5 Valley 1854 


ii. i. 


1855 


a .a 


1850 


a a 


1841 


a a 


1849 


ii. a 


1841 


a a 


1831 


a a 


1849 


a a 


1S58 


U (( 


1858 


" ." 


1861 


a a 


1832 


a a 


1853 


<i ■ c; 


• " 1844 


a ii. 


1848 


a a , 


1849 


a a 


1846 


a a 


1827 


a a 


1850 


a a 


1840 


a a 


1851 


i, a 


1851 


a a 


1854 


a a 


1867 


a a 


1847 


a ■ a 


1864 


.a a 


1841 




a;:," ^.'^\i.i:^.„ -:^-m. 



ADDRESS OF WELCOME TO DEFIANCE, 15 AUGUST 

By JONATHAN PARK BUFFINGTON. 



Mr. President^ Pioneers and Visitors: 

It gives me great pleasure this morning to welcome you^ 
with a cordial and fraternal welcome, to this the Thirty- 
Seventh Annual Reunion of the Maumee Valley Pioneer 
Association. 

I welcome you in the name of our patriotic little city of 
Defiance, a place and name that have been familiar to all the 
Pioneers of the Maumee Va]le3^ 

I trust that this may be a day long to be remembered by 
you, and in the annals of the Association, 

Nowhere does there exist a more ideal tof)ography for a 
i'ity than is here observed; and no place is better remembered 
in the history of the old Northwest Territory, fertile as it is 
with thrilling adventures that leave memories never to be 
forgotten. 

Fifty years ago Defiance was a small village with very 
few facilities for business; now it has nearly one-half mile of 
Ijusiness blocks on Clinton and other streets, all of which are 
occupied l^y a class of active, intelligent men and women in 
the various branches of trade and ofiice work which pertain 
to the building up and maintaining of a growing and pros- 
perous city. 

Fifty years ago Defiance had a population of seven or 
eight hundred people, with the most limited facilities for 
trade, and intercourse with the outside world. For several 
months in every year we were a closed community, with no 
means of shipping out or receiving any commodity except 
small packages by individuals, wagons or U. S. Mail Carrier. 

What wonderful changes have taken place since that 
time! A new generation has replaced the old one that has re- 
tired forever from the active scenes of life. 

From a small village then, Defiance has grown to be a 
City. 



Address of Welcome to Defiance. /jj 

In place of mudd}- and often impassable streets and 
Toads, we have now many broad paved avenues, and graveled 
I'oads throughout the county, which add much to the pleas- 
ure, prosperity and, the wealth of our people. 

For the education of our children, we have new, large 
and commodious school buildings in each ward, and a College 
in successful operation, all under the care of able and faith- 
ful teachers. 

To meet the spiritual wants of our people we have a 
number of line church buildings of many denominations; and 
an able body of ministers. 

The greatest incentives to the wealth and prosperity of 
uny communit}" are its manufactories. We have here several 
industries that are among the most successful in the State: 
and one that ships its products to all the principal nations in 
the world. These manufactories, in their various depart- 
ments, furnish emplojmient to a large number of workmen. 

Like every other Cit}" that aspires to progress and com- 
fort, we have in operation all the modern improvements that 
add to the pleasure and happiness of our citizens. 

After the close of the British and Indian War in ISl-t. 
the country was open to some extent to immigration. Slow- 
ly at first, singl}^ and in small parties, man}^ hardy and ad- 
venturous men with their families commenced to settle along 
the river bottoms and open up farms to make homes for 
themselves and children. Defiance, from its superior loca- 
tion at the meeting of the three rivers, became a central 
point for the pioneers of the Valley for many miles around t 
a point where thev could exchange their limited products of 
field and forest for the other actual necessaries of life. 

After the opening up of the Canals, which furnished 
easy and more rapid communication with the outside world. 
Defiance became the most important point between Fort 
Wayne and the Lakes for the receiving and shipping of the 
products of the Valley for the greatest part of the year. 

With the projection and completion of our great lines of 
Railroads, which connect the great West with the East, in- 
creased prosperity advanced upon us. It gave new incentives 
to action in every department of town and country life. A 
maofical influence was evcrvwhere felt. New blocks of busi- 



rj6 The Maufnee Valley Pioneer Association. 

ness rooms, and beautiful homes, were quickly constructed, 
streets were improved, and sewers were built until an ample 
sj^stem of di-ainage was established. All this has made our 
City one of the most healthful and desirable locations to be 
found an}^ where. 

We welcome you to the enjoyment of the healthful air 
and the pleasures that Defiance afi'ords; to our three beautiful 
rivere, affording- the safest and the best of boating waters on 
which ply steamboats at your bidding-; to our scenery which 
exhibits new beauties at every turn, and to the pre-historic 
and historic places hereabouts abounding. 

In conclusion let me say to the older members of this 
Association, to those present and to those not able to attend 
this meeting, that you have wrought a good work, that you 
have conquered many obstacles that were in your pathway; 
and we rejoice with you today that you have been permitted 
to live to see the country that 3"ou love expand and develop 
from small beginnings to the greatest, the richest, and the 
most prosperous Nation in the world. We pi*ay that the 
Infinite Father of all Mercies may grant you many more 
years to live, to see the continued unfoldings of the future; 
to see the glorious Stare and Stripes, the emblem of our 
country's greatness and power, encircle the World with its 
mission of freedom to the oppressed of every land. To this 
end all should join in the sentiment: 

"'God bless our prasperous land. 

United long to stand ! 
With pride we sing — 

Columbia, grand and free. 

Let each one pledge to thee 

Undying loyalty; 
Fresh tribute bring! 
Again we greet you with a joyous welcome. 




The Dry Goods Store 
That Guarantees Sat= 
isfaction. ^2/ 



We say it and we do it, 
Its a well established fact 

That what you buy must satisfy, 
Or we give your money back. 




383, 335, 337 and 339 SUMMIT STREET, 



The LaSalle 6 Koch 
Company. 

The Pioneers of Jeffet^son St. 

..DEALERS IN.. 

Dry Goods Carpets 

Curtains Rugs. 

LADIES and MISSES SHOES, 
Brass 'Beds, iMattzesses, etc. 

The LaSalle 6 Koch Co. 

J" t^ Jefferson and Superior Streets. ^ ^ 

TOLEDO, OHIO. 



Frank Ferguson 



...Dealer In... 



ICE £2d COAL 

N. W. Telephone 59. 

DEFIANCE, OHIO. 

When in Defiance stop at the.. 

HOTEL DE,FIANCE,. 



The only Hotel on the 
principal business street. 



Rates $2.00 per day. ^ ^ J' M. E. LYNDE. 



Tlje Union Geijtml faifiijgs Bnijk Go. 

505 aiadison St., St. Paul Building, 
TOliEDO, OHIO. 



J. p. McAFEE,. President. JAME,S MELVIN, Vice=President. 

J. EARLE McAFErE, Cashier. A. MILLIGAN, Ass't Cashier. 



General Banking- Business Transacted. Bell PKone 

Commercial Accounts Solicited. 933. 



The Union Central Life Insurance Co^ 

J. p. McAFEE, Manager, N. W. Ohio. 

Assets, January 1,1901 = = = = .1^26,000,000. 
Low^est Death Rate, Largest Kate of Interest. 

Large and Increasing Dividends to Policy Holders. 

Bell Phone 956. Office, 301 to 305. 

Harrison 390. Chamber of Commerce. 



FORT MEiaS, FORT MIAMI, 
BATTLE FIELD OF FALLEN TIMBBR, 
SCENE OF DUDLEY'S DEFEAT 



and other Historical Localities 

ARE ALL REACHED BY . . 

THE TOLEDO SCENIC ROUTE. 

The Toledo & Maumee Valley Railroad 
Toledo^ Bowling Green and Fremont 

Railway Company. . . Runs from Toledo to 
Bowling Green and points south to Jerry City, 



CARS RUN EVERY 56 MINUTES. 
Good Service. Fast Time. 






^ 



..MOTTO.. 

SCIENTIA. 

IjIBERTAS, 

Et Religio 



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Catalogoe 
Free 

ON 

Application. 



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Courses o^ SVudi^. 

Collegiate 

Academic 

Theological 
Normal 

Btisitiess 
A/Iusic 

Elocution 
A rt 



GHARACTERISTIG FEATURES. 



Christian 
Un sectarian 
Co-Educational 
Cosmopolitan 



Economical 
TTlio rough 
Practical 
Up -to- Date. 



REV. JOHN R. H. LATCH AW, A. M.. D. D., 

President. 



BRING ^ 

YOUR FAMILY, 
YOUR SUNDAY SCHOOL, 
YOUR CHURCH PIC-NICS, 
YOUR LODGE, and all 
YOUR FR LENDS, to ride on tk^ 

# "GOLDIE" and "LflURIIHft" 

Which give delightful and cheap excur- 
sions on the beautiful Maiimee and Augkize 
Rivers at Defiance, Ohio. 

Write <)f your coming and number to 

Captain A. G. McCLBARY, Defiance, O. 

VISIT 



ISLAND 

DEFIANCE, OHIO 



Said by Experts to be UNEXCELLED IN NAT- 
URAL BEAUTY by auy resort in the Middle 
West. 



Flow ering Bulbs... 

We import Bulbous- R.oots direct from the most reliable g-rowers Tn Hbl- 
tand, Japan and Cliina. and they should mit be confounded with those frequently- 
sent to this market in "cases" on speculation. We should be happy to make ju- 
dicious selections for parties unacquainted with the different varieties, if tliey 
will state, with orders, the number of bulbs required, and the average price. 
Our this year's importation of Hyacinths, TuJips, Crocus, NFarcissus,. 
Lilies, and other Flowfer Bullrs, Is the Finest and Lar^'est ever made, and 
our customers and all lovers of Flowers in wantofOhoLce Bulbs, ai-e respectfully 
informed tha(t they can be supplied at home by us in every way as well, as 
cheaply and realiably. as by sending their orders to Eastern and other dealers. 

Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, Crocus, 

Lrilies: 

Album, 

Auratuni, 

Atrosang'uineiuii .. 

CandiduiTiy 

Calla, 

Chinese Sacred,. 

Harrisii, 

Longiflorum,. 

Melpomone, 

Rubimm. 

"We also can-y in 
stock other BULBS 
not mentioned here^ 
and a full line of 
FLOWE.Fc and 
Garden Seeds. 

Also Garden Tools, 
and ask that you kind- 
ly call at our store or 
write us for Price List. 




Lilium Harrisii. 



TI16 Henry FiiiliDS Ssefl & liiiplGinsni) 60. 

115 <& 117 St. ClaiP Street. 
TOLE^DO, OHIO. 



The Record 
T^rinting Company, 



'2D5 Clinton Si. 
DE,FIANCE. O, 

Commercial and 
Legal Blank 



^ PRINTERS 

JS^. J, MAINS, Harfl and Soft Wood Foot Rules, Yard Sticks, 

MANAeKR, -Memorandum Books, Etc. 



cChrisfian L. Geiger. 'William ^Geigeir 



C. Geiger €5 Son, 

Manufaciutets of Futnitute 

Established in iSSg, 

Kumitxare of all Kinds 

IVIade to Order 

In any F^orm Desired* 



Oak, Ash, Blm and Maple Lumber Boiaglit at Any 
Time at their Factory in 

OeF^IKNCE, OHIO. 



,...STOP AT,... 



Thie Crosby House. 



W. Kirtley, Jr. 

DEFIANCE, - OHIO, 



W. H. HOOKER, ARCHrTECT. 

DEFIANCE OHIO. 
=RE,SIDENCES A SPECIALTY.= 



GEO. W. KILLEY, 

Attorne y at Law,, Notary Public and Pension Attorney 
^ DEFIANCE, OHIO. ^ 

TheH.P. Miller Co. 



-ESTABLISHED IST-i. 



108-nJ-JI4-n6 CLINTON STREET. 

DEFIANCE .^.E.^^...^=^^^E.^^^ OHIO. 

BUTTER and EGGS. 

POULTRY and WOOL. 

CLOVER SEED and TIMOTHY SEED, 

HIDES, PELTS, TALLOW. 

G. ^V. %VATKrisi's G. M. Watkitvs 

ESTABXrlSHED i:N 1884. 

G. W. and G. M. Watkins 

Emigration Agsrtt for 
Pine and Hardwood r\r\i i-ri i r r\M n, n CITY and 

Timber Lands. SOUTHERN R. R. FARM LANDS. 

^F(eal Estate and Insurance. Leans and Investments. 

Cor. Clinton and Second Sts. 

GE.RMAN SPOKEN. DEFIANCE, OHIO. 



Vandenbroek & Shelly ! 

Clothiers, ^ 



Furnishers and 



Merchant Tailors 



Cor. Clinton and Fourth Sts. DEFIANCE, OHIO 

— DEAI^ER IN — 

WHITE LIME, CEMENT, STONE, 

G^-psum Hard Wall Plaster, Sewer Pipe, Lawn Vases, Lath, 

White Sand, Fire Brick and Clay, Land and 

Calcine Plaster, Hair, Etc. 

Also, Proprietor of Cor. Second and "Wayne Streets, 

CITY FEED BARN, DEFIANCE, O. 

Good accommodations and cool, pleasant waiting room for ladies to rest, with 
toilet rooms attached. All Free. 



C. P. HarlEy, Pres, John Crowe, Vice Pres. E. P. Hooker, Cashier 

jSTo. 2516. 

cMetchants National Bank. 

CAPITAL, Si 00,000.00, 



directors: 
C. P. Harley, S. T. vSutphen, "Charter Extended to 1921." 

John Crowe, John Spangler, 

E. N. Lewis, E. P. Hooker, 

W. C. Holgate. DEFIAjN'CE, O. 



Come to See the Home-Grown Trees at the Nuzsety of 

CHRIST. WINTERICH, 
Florist aistd NuRSERYMAisr. 

DEFIANCE, OHIO. 

At the Greenhouses you can find fresh Cut FWrs at 

— all times, Beddmg Plants, Palms 
and Ferns. 

Floral Designs Promptly Made on Short Notice. 



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Do Your Trading at . . 

Harley 6 
WhitaKer's 



BARGAIN 
HOUSE, 



DEFIANCE,. OHIO. 



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Most for Your Money. 

Dry Goods, Carpets and CloaKs, 










IB My '06 



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